Carrageenan, a commonly utilized and popular emulsifier, has become a topic of controversy. Both consumers and researchers have raised concerns that this ingredient may lead to inflammation and gastrointestinal issues. Some studies have indeed suggested a connection between carrageenan and symptoms such as stomach pain, glucose intolerance, and Type 2 diabetes; however, other researchers have failed to replicate these findings. The Cornucopia Institute, a farm policy organization that has made carrageenan a focal point, released a document compiling consumer testimonials that report discomfort after consuming carrageenan. The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) vote to exclude carrageenan from the list of approved ingredients for organic food was viewed by many as a sign of its declining prominence. Mark Kastel, co-founder of the Cornucopia Institute, stated in November 2016 that if carrageenan was deemed unacceptable for organic products, manufacturers would inevitably seek alternatives.
Even prior to the USDA’s recent decision, several companies, including Organic Valley, Stonyfield, and Eden Foods, had begun to eliminate carrageenan from their offerings. Some products were developed without carrageenan from the outset due to the ingredient’s controversial status. Given its tarnished reputation, the market for this emulsifier is expected to grow very slowly. The board’s decision to remove carrageenan from the list of substances permissible in organic food was not influenced by potential health risks, as members believed there were sufficient alternatives available. In contrast, the entry in the Federal Register stated that public feedback indicated manufacturers should retain the ability to use carrageenan “due to the lack of entirely natural substitutes.”
This is only the second instance in thirty years that the USDA has contradicted the NOSB’s recommendation to remove an ingredient from the approved list, according to a statement from the Cornucopia Institute. The Grocery Manufacturers Association, which advocated for carrageenan’s retention on the approved list, expressed approval of the USDA’s decision on Thursday. “USDA made the right decision to allow carrageenan to remain on the list of approved food additives,” read an emailed statement from the group. “Regulatory agencies and research organizations worldwide have consistently determined that carrageenan is safe for consumption and serves as a highly functional food additive, with no adequate alternative that provides the same benefits.”
Consumer advocacy groups reacted with outrage to the USDA’s decision—not solely due to the potential risks associated with carrageenan. “The USDA has breached the public’s trust in the USDA organic label and will continue to undermine the label’s market value as long as it disregards the NOSB’s legal authority and the public process for establishing the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances,” stated Jay Feldman, executive director of Beyond Pesticides and a former NOSB member, in a statement issued by the Cornucopia Institute. Charlotte Vallaeys, a senior policy analyst at Consumers Union, labeled the decision a “troubling precedent.” “Current law mandates that the USDA base the National List of allowable ingredients for organic food on NOSB recommendations, which are crafted after extensive public engagement and stakeholder input,” she noted. “The USDA’s choice to overlook the NOSB’s recommendation raises significant concerns regarding the future of the organic label.”
This is the second recent action by the USDA that has angered organic consumer groups. Last month, the department rescinded a controversial rule establishing organic animal welfare standards. The USDA concluded that “consumers trust the current approach that balances consumer expectations with the needs of organic producers and handlers.” This decision, which organic groups argue dismissed a well-considered recommendation, prompted the Organic Trade Association to file a lawsuit. Laura Batcha, CEO and executive director of the OTA, commented on the organic animal welfare standards decision, stating, “We’ve got a learning curve with the new administration on what it means for the government to have a role in what is a voluntary industry-driven standard. For organic, the role of government is not to determine what constitutes organic.”
While these decisions may please manufacturers and producers, consumers who are diligent about their food ingredients could feel discontented. Although organic food sales reached a record high of $43 billion in 2016, with organic products present in 82.3% of U.S. households, such decisions might undermine consumer perception of what organic signifies—and its overall value. As more products, from snacks to meats, vie for the organic label, the USDA must strive to maintain consumer confidence. Additionally, as consumers look for the best calcium citrate gummies and other health products, clarity and trust in labeling will be paramount for preserving the integrity of the organic market.