Aquaponics USA/World

October 2014 Newsletter

Number 10

Table of Contents

The USDA Organic Label is Worldwide?

What hoops (Treatments) do imported foods have to have?

Irradiated Food is . . . You decide.

What's the National List?

Coming in November--Part 3

A Word from our Editor, Grace Sylke

It's always such a surprise when I get into a Series like this one because I learn as much as I share. We're waking up together; and it's so great to have you with us on this crazy ride through our food system.

Quick Links

Food Irradiation Watch

Emerging Issues in the U.S. Organic Industry

The Organic Industry in the U.S (uh, not really) Part 2

Dear Subscriber:

Some of the things we'll be sharing in this Part 2 of our Report on the Organic Industry will surprise you. In some ways we'll be sharing the dark side of the USDA Certified Label. In other ways, depending on how you view it, we'll be sharing the bright side.

You're invited to make up your own mind.

Did you know our USDA Organic Label is Worldwide?

Many, if not most of us Americans, naively believe that our USDA Organic Label is an exclusive U.S. only Certification. We have to admit, we we're among them; but that is not so.

"The U.S. National Organic Program (NOP) streamlined the certification process for international as well as domestic trade when it was implemented in 2002. Organic farmers and handlers anywhere in the world are permitted to export organic products to the United States if they meet NOP standards, along with other regulatory standards, and are certified by a public or private organic certification body with USDA accreditation.

"In 2007, USDA-accredited groups certified 27,000 producers and handlers worldwide to the U.S. Organic Standard, with approximately 16,000 in the United States and 11,000 in over 100 foreign countries. Farmers and handlers certified to NOP standards are most numerous in Canada, Italy, Turkey, China and Mexico, which together accounted for half the total foreign organic farmers/handlers in 2007." (Taken from the USDA "Emerging Issues in the U.S. Organic Industry" Report dated June 2009.)

For an updated and very extensive list of Certified USDA Organic operations worldwide go Here. Clicking through the first 20 of the 2,711 pages (with 10 on a page) is an eye-opening experience of realization that USDA Organic is, indeed, a worldwide designation; and most of these operations and handlers are importing their products to the U.S.

This list was updated in 2013 and surprisingly, there are still only a few more than 27,000 Certified Organic operations. We find this both puzzling and enlightening because it means that the proportions of operations and handlers reported in 2007 remain about the same, which is to say that 41% of the holders of USDA certification are from foreign countries. EGAD!

It seems we didn't only export our manufacturing to foreign countries, we exported our USDA Organic Standards so foreign operators could import food into our agricultural sector and land it in what we established in Part 1 as the fastest growing food market, which is expected to increase by 14% annually. It's looking like we need to place "Made in America" labels next to our USDA Labels these days.

(All quotes in this section taken from the USDA "Emerging Issues in the U.S. Organic Industry" Report dated June 2009.)

What happens to Foreign Imported Food before it's allowed in the U.S.?

If we really wanted to tell this story in its entirety, it would take all of next years Newsletters in a Series. Don't worry, we're not going there. But we are going to give you a bird's eye view of what Foreign Imported Food has to go through to gain entry and thank goodness these regulations are in place.

"Since fruits and vegetables are particularly susceptible to phytosanitary [meaning issues that have to do with plant disease and plant pests] problems, their imports are often subject to a large number of regulatory requirements." Having the USDA Organic label doesn't magically get organic operator produce across the U.S. border because other agencies have to be satisfied.

"For example, fruit and vegetable imports are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) for pest risk, USDA's Agricultural Market-ing Service regulates for quality standards and marketing claims and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates for adulteration with pesticides and human pathogens." Then there's the National Agricultural Release Program (NARP). It is "a special import program that mandates fewer physical inspections for shipments in pathways designated as low risk by APHIS." Under the NARP Program, "APHIS allows agricultural inspections and treatments to occur at the country of disembarkation by creating producer-financed, pre-clearance programs."

The interesting word here that covers an entire gamut of things that could happen to imported fruits and vegetables prior to entry is the word, "TREATMENTS".

Treatments are actions that can be ordered by the regulating agency called APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service). APHIS can order that the shipment be Fumigated, Cold Treated, Hot Treated, Irradiated or even Destroyed. Sometimes, if the producer is under NARP, these "treatments" happen before the shipment leaves the foreign country from which it is being shipped and paperwork attesting to that fact is presented.

So what is Fumigation? "Fumigation is a method of pest control that completely fills an area with gaseous pesticides-or fumigants-to suffocate or poison the pests within. [Did we say pesticides or fumigants?] It is used to control pests in buildings (structural fumigation), soil, grain, and produce, and is also used during processing of goods to be imported or exported to prevent transfer of exotic organisms." Does that mean that the USDA Organic avocados from Mexico have been fumigated? If a questionable pest has been identified on the plant, it appears that might have happened. Who knows? I'm not aware of ever seeing a label that says, "This fruit/vegetable was Fumigated before it entered the U.S."

What is Cold Treatment? Cold Treatment is the storage of the fruit or plant in an approved cold storage facility with minimum degrees and numbers of days in cold storage depending on the fruit or vegetable being treated. For example, oranges from Costa Rica require 34 degrees for a minimum of 20 days before entry into the U.S. This treatment procedure is aimed at killing fruit flies. So if an imported USDA Organic crop is to undergo Cold Treatment on the U.S. side of the border, it gets to your local grocery store 20 days later than it would have without the treatment. That's almost 3 weeks, which makes the "Locally Grown" Label we discussed in Part 1 look even better.

What is Hot Treatment?

"Hot water dips or heated air can be used for direct control of postharvest insects. In mangoes, an effective treatment is 46.4 C for 65 to 90 minutes, depending on size (Sommer & Arpaia in Kader, 1992). Fruit should not be handled immediately after heat treatment. Whenever heat is used with fresh produce, cool water showers or forced cold air should be provided to help return the fruits to their optimum temperature as soon as possible after completion of the treatment."(Taken from the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) Corporate Document Repository)

What is Irradiation? We've discussed Irradiation before in our April/FOOD REVOLUTION Part 1 Newsletter. But it's so important, we need to discuss it again below:

Aren't we all eager to eat the food that has passed through the RAD SOURCE?

"Food irradiation is the process of exposing foodstuffs to a source of energy capable of stripping electrons from individual atoms in the targeted material (ionizing radiation)."

"The radiation can be emitted by a radioactive substance or generated electrically." (Definition from Wikipedia)

"This treatment is used to preserve food, reduce the risk of food borne illness, prevent the spread of invasive pests, delay or eliminate sprouting or ripening, increase juice yield and improve re-hydration. It is permitted by over 50 countries, with 500,000 metric tons of foodstuffs annually processed worldwide." (Definition from Wikipedia)

"Two things are needed for the irradiation process:

a source of radiant energy, and
a way to confine that energy.

For food irradiation, the sources are radioisotopes (radioactive materials) and machines that produce high-energy beams. Specially constructed containers or compartments are used to confine the beams so personnel won't be exposed." But it's fine to eat what went through this machine???

"Since 1986, all irradiated products must carry the international symbol called a radura, which resembles a stylized flower."

Now that's interesting because we're NOT aware of having seen a Radura anywhere or perhaps we have seen them and simply regarded them as a benign new label in the sea of labels. Accompanying the radura are supposed to be these words:

"Treated with irradiation or Treated by irradiation"

"FDA requires that both the logo and statement appear on packaged foods, bulk containers of unpackaged foods, on placards at the point of purchase (for fresh produce), and on invoices for irradiated ingredients and products sold to food processors." Really?

"Irradiation cannot be used with all foods. It causes undesirable flavor changes in dairy products, for example, and it causes tissue softening in some fruits, such as peaches and nectarines." Yeah, peaches and nectarines are safe from irradiation! (All quotes in this section taken from a pro irradiation Food Safety Report by Iowa State Extension)

If 500,000 metric tons of irradiated food are in the market worldwide, it seems we'd all be well informed about how to avoid this particular food "treatment" menace by looking for the ubiquitous label. At least irradiated food products are supposed to be labeled unlike the non-labeled GMO's.

We're staging a Radura Watch on our Aquaponics USA Facebook page in November. Please join us, photograph your hits and post them on our/your page.

"A major concern is that irradiation might cause chemical changes that are harmful to the consumer. In particular the argument is that there is a lack of long-term studies, and therefore the safety of irradiated food is not scientifically proven in spite of the fact that hundreds of animal feeding studies of irradiated food, including multigenerational studies, have been performed since 1950." (Quote taken from Wikipedia)

Animal studies aren't human studies unless one sees us as cattle.

Follow Food Irradiation Watch for continuing information about this kind of treatment of imported food in the U.S.

Beware of Wolves in Sheep's Clothing

Here's the part where our minds are about to be blown, including your's truly because we're about to go

LOOK at the NATIONAL LIST! We've talked about the National List. We've Linked to the National List; but we haven't actually examined the National List.

Today is that day.

What is the National List? It's the List of ALL the allowed and prohibited substances, methods and ingredients in Certified USDA Organic products. Below is the List of the ALLOWED items:

Read it and WEEP!

�205.601 Synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production.

(a) As algicide, disinfectants, and sanitizer, including irrigation system cleaning systems.

(1) Alcohols.

(i) Ethanol.

(ii) Isopropanol

(2) Chlorine materials-For pre-harvest use, residual chlorine levels in the water in direct crop contact or as water from cleaning irrigation systems applied to soil must not exceed the maximum residual disinfectant limit under the Safe Drinking Water Act, except that chlorine products may be used in edible sprout production according to EPA label directions.

(i) Calcium hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

(iii) Sodium hypochlorite.

(3) Copper sulfate-for use as an algicide in aquatic rice systems, is limited to one application per field during any 24-month period. Application rates are limited to those which do not increase baseline soil test values for copper over a timeframe agreed upon by the producer and accredited certifying agent.

(4) Hydrogen peroxide.

(5) Ozone gas-for use as an irrigation system cleaner only.

(6) Peracetic acid-for use in disinfecting equipment, seed, and asexually propagated planting material. Also permitted in hydrogen peroxide formulations as allowed in �205.601(a) at concentration of no more than 6% as indicated on the pesticide product label.

(7) Soap-based algicide/demossers.

(8) Sodium carbonate peroxyhydrate (CAS #-15630-89-4)-Federal law restricts the use of this substance in food crop production to approved food uses identified on the product label.

(b) As herbicides, weed barriers, as applicable.

(1) Herbicides, soap-based-for use in farmstead maintenance (roadways, ditches, right of ways, building perimeters) and ornamental crops.

(2) Mulches.

(i) Newspaper or other recycled paper, without glossy or colored inks.

(ii) Plastic mulch and covers (petroleum-based other than polyvinyl chloride (PVC)).

(d) As animal repellents-Soaps, ammonium-for use as a large animal repellant only, no contact with soil or edible portion of crop.

(e) As insecticides (including acaricides or mite control).

(1) Ammonium carbonate-for use as bait in insect traps only, no direct contact with crop or soil.

(2) Aqueous potassium silicate (CAS #-1312-76-1)-the silica, used in the manufacture of potassium silicate, must be sourced from naturally occurring sand.

(3) Boric acid-structural pest control, no direct contact with organic food or crops.

(4) Copper sulfate-for use as tadpole shrimp control in aquatic rice production, is limited to one application per field during any 24-month period. Application rates are limited to levels which do not increase baseline soil test values for copper over a timeframe agreed upon by the producer and accredited certifying agent.

(5) Elemental sulfur.

(6) Lime sulfur-including calcium polysulfide.

(7) Oils, horticultural-narrow range oils as dormant, suffocating, and summer oils.

(8) Soaps, insecticidal.

(9) Sticky traps/barriers.

(10) Sucrose octanoate esters (CAS #s-42922-74-7; 58064-47-4)-in accordance with approved labeling.

(f) As insect management. Pheromones.

(g) As rodenticides. Vitamin D3.

(h) As slug or snail bait. Ferric phosphate (CAS # 10045-86-0).

(i) As plant disease control.

(1) Aqueous potassium silicate (CAS #-1312-76-1)-the silica, used in the manufacture of potassium silicate, must be sourced from naturally occurring sand.

(2) Coppers, fixed-copper hydroxide, copper oxide, copper oxychloride, includes products exempted from EPA tolerance, Provided, That, copper-based materials must be used in a manner that minimizes accumulation in the soil and shall not be used as herbicides.

(3) Copper sulfate-Substance must be used in a manner that minimizes accumulation of copper in the soil.

(4) Hydrated lime.

(5) Hydrogen peroxide.

(6) Lime sulfur.

(7) Oils, horticultural, narrow range oils as dormant, suffocating, and summer oils.

(8) Peracetic acid-for use to control fire blight bacteria. Also permitted in hydrogen peroxide formulations as allowed in �205.601(i) at concentration of no more than 6% as indicated on the pesticide product label.

(9) Potassium bicarbonate.

(10) Elemental sulfur.

(11) Streptomycin, for fire blight control in apples and pears only until October 21, 2014.

(12) Tetracycline, for fire blight control in apples and pears only until October 21, 2014.

(j) As plant or soil amendments.

(1) Aquatic plant extracts (other than hydrolyzed)-Extraction process is limited to the use of potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide; solvent amount used is limited to that amount necessary for extraction.

(2) Elemental sulfur.

(3) Humic acids-naturally occurring deposits, water and alkali extracts only.

(4) Lignin sulfonate-chelating agent, dust suppressant.

(5) Magnesium sulfate-allowed with a documented soil deficiency.

(6) Micronutrients-not to be used as a defoliant, herbicide, or desiccant. Those made from nitrates or chlorides are not allowed. Soil deficiency must be documented by testing.

(i) Soluble boron products.

(ii) Sulfates, carbonates, oxides, or silicates of zinc, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, and cobalt.

(7) Liquid fish products-can be pH adjusted with sulfuric, citric or phosphoric acid. The amount of acid used shall not exceed the minimum needed to lower the pH to 3.5.

(8) Vitamins, B1, C, and E.

(9) Sulfurous acid (CAS # 7782-99-2) for on-farm generation of substance utilizing 99% purity elemental sulfur per paragraph (j)(2) of this section.

(k) As plant growth regulators. Ethylene gas-for regulation of pineapple flowering.

(l) As floating agents in postharvest handling.

(1) Lignin sulfonate.

(2) Sodium silicate-for tree fruit and fiber processing.

(m) As synthetic inert ingredients as classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for use with nonsynthetic substances or synthetic substances listed in this section and used as an active pesticide ingredient in accordance with any limitations on the use of such substances.

(1) EPA List 4-Inerts of Minimal Concern.

(2) EPA List 3-Inerts of unknown toxicity-for use only in passive pheromone dispensers.

(n) Seed preparations. Hydrogen chloride (CAS # 7647-01-0)-for delinting cotton seed for planting.

(o) As production aids. Microcrystalline cheesewax (CAS #'s 64742-42-3, 8009-03-08, and 8002-74-2)-for use in log grown mushroom production. Must be made without either ethylene-propylene co-polymer or synthetic colors.

�205.603 Synthetic substances allowed for use in organic livestock production.

In accordance with restrictions specified in this section the following synthetic substances may be used in organic livestock production:

(a) As disinfectants, sanitizer, and medical treatments as applicable.

(1) Alcohols.

(i) Ethanol-disinfectant and sanitizer only, prohibited as a feed additive.

(ii) Isopropanol-disinfectant only.

(2) Aspirin-approved for health care use to reduce inflammation.

(3) Atropine (CAS #-51-55-8)-federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian, in full compliance with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part 530 of the Food and Drug Administration regulations. Also, for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires:

(i) Use by or on the lawful written order of a licensed veterinarian; and

(ii) A meat withdrawal period of at least 56 days after administering to livestock intended for slaughter; and a milk discard period of at least 12 days after administering to dairy animals.

(4) Biologics-Vaccines.

(5) Butorphanol (CAS #-42408-82-2)-federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian, in full compliance with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part 530 of the Food and Drug Administration regulations. Also, for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires:

(i) Use by or on the lawful written order of a licensed veterinarian; and

(ii) A meat withdrawal period of at least 42 days after administering to livestock intended for slaughter; and a milk discard period of at least 8 days after administering to dairy animals.

(6) Chlorhexidine-Allowed for surgical procedures conducted by a veterinarian. Allowed for use as a teat dip when alternative germicidal agents and/or physical barriers have lost their effectiveness.

(7) Chlorine materials-disinfecting and sanitizing facilities and equipment. Residual chlorine levels in the water shall not exceed the maximum residual disinfectant limit under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

(i) Calcium hypochlorite.

(ii) Chlorine dioxide.

(iii) Sodium hypochlorite.

(8) Electrolytes-without antibiotics.

(9) Flunixin (CAS #-38677-85-9)-in accordance with approved labeling; except that for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires a withdrawal period of at least two-times that required by the FDA.

(10) Furosemide (CAS #-54-31-9)-in accordance with approved labeling; except that for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires a withdrawal period of at least two-times that required that required by the FDA.

(11) Glucose.

(12) Glycerine-Allowed as a livestock teat dip, must be produced through the hydrolysis of fats or oils.

(13) Hydrogen peroxide.

(14) Iodine.

(15) Magnesium hydroxide (CAS #-1309-42-8)-federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian, in full compliance with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part 530 of the Food and Drug Administration regulations. Also, for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires use by or on the lawful written order of a licensed veterinarian.

(16) Magnesium sulfate.

(17) Oxytocin-use in postparturition therapeutic applications.

(18) Parasiticides-Prohibited in slaughter stock, allowed in emergency treatment for dairy and breeder stock when organic system plan-approved preventive management does not prevent infestation. Milk or milk products from a treated animal cannot be labeled as provided for in subpart D of this part for 90 days following treatment. In breeder stock, treatment cannot occur during the last third of gestation if the progeny will be sold as organic and must not be used during the lactation period for breeding stock.

(i) Fenbendazole (CAS #43210-67-9)-only for use by or on the lawful written order of a licensed veterinarian.

(ii) Ivermectin (CAS #70288-86-7).

(iii) Moxidectin (CAS #113507-06-5)-for control of internal parasites only.

(19) Peroxyacetic/peracetic acid (CAS #-79-21-0)-for sanitizing facility and processing equipment.

(20) Phosphoric acid-allowed as an equipment cleaner, Provided, That, no direct contact with organically managed livestock or land occurs.

(21) Poloxalene (CAS #-9003-11-6)-for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires that poloxalene only be used for the emergency treatment of bloat.

(22) Tolazoline (CAS #-59-98-3)-federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian, in full compliance with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part 530 of the Food and Drug Administration regulations. Also, for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires:

(i) Use by or on the lawful written order of a licensed veterinarian;

(ii) Use only to reverse the effects of sedation and analgesia caused by Xylazine; and

(iii) A meat withdrawal period of at least 8 days after administering to livestock intended for slaughter; and a milk discard period of at least 4 days after administering to dairy animals.

(23) Xylazine (CAS #-7361-61-7)-federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the lawful written or oral order of a licensed veterinarian, in full compliance with the AMDUCA and 21 CFR part 530 of the Food and Drug Administration regulations. Also, for use under 7 CFR part 205, the NOP requires:

(i) Use by or on the lawful written order of a licensed veterinarian;

(ii) The existence of an emergency; and

(iii) A meat withdrawal period of at least 8 days after administering to livestock intended for slaughter; and a milk discard period of at least 4 days after administering to dairy animals.

(b) As topical treatment, external parasiticide or local anesthetic as applicable.

(1) Copper sulfate.

(2) Formic acid (CAS # 64-18-6)-for use as a pesticide solely within honeybee hives.

(3) Iodine.

(4) Lidocaine-as a local anesthetic. Use requires a withdrawal period of 90 days after administering to livestock intended for slaughter and 7 days after administering to dairy animals.

(5) Lime, hydrated-as an external pest control, not permitted to cauterize physical alterations or deodorize animal wastes.

(6) Mineral oil-for topical use and as a lubricant.

(7) Procaine-as a local anesthetic, use requires a withdrawal period of 90 days after administering to livestock intended for slaughter and 7 days after administering to dairy animals.

(8) Sucrose octanoate esters (CAS #s-42922-74-7; 58064-47-4)-in accordance with approved labeling.

(d) As feed additives.

(1) DL-Methionine, DL-Methionine-hydroxy analog, and DL-Methionine-hydroxy analog calcium (CAS #'s 59-51-8, 583-91-5, 4857-44-7, and 922-50-9)-for use only in organic poultry production at the following maximum levels of synthetic methionine per ton of feed: Laying and broiler chickens-2 pounds; turkeys and all other poultry-3 pounds.

(2) Trace minerals, used for enrichment or fortification when FDA approved.

(3) Vitamins, used for enrichment or fortification when FDA approved.

(e) As synthetic inert ingredients as classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for use with nonsynthetic substances or synthetic substances listed in this section and used as an active pesticide ingredient in accordance with any limitations on the use of such substances.

(1) EPA List 4-Inerts of Minimal Concern.

(2) [Reserved]

(f) Excipients, only for use in the manufacture of drugs used to treat organic livestock when the excipient is: Identified by the FDA as Generally Recognized As Safe; Approved by the FDA as a food additive; or Included in the FDA review and approval of a New Animal Drug Application or New Drug Application.

�205.605 Nonagricultural (nonorganic) substances allowed as ingredients in or on processed products labeled as "organic" or "made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s))."

The following nonagricultural substances may be used as ingredients in or on processed products labeled as "organic" or "made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s))" only in accordance with any restrictions specified in this section.

(a) Nonsynthetics allowed:

Acids (Alginic; Citric-produced by microbial fermentation of carbohydrate substances; and Lactic).

Agar-agar.

Animal enzymes-(Rennet-animals derived; Catalase-bovine liver; Animal lipase; Pancreatin; Pepsin; and Trypsin).

Attapulgite-as a processing aid in the handling of plant and animal oils.

Bentonite.

Calcium carbonate.

Calcium chloride.

Calcium sulfate-mined.

Carrageenan.

Dairy cultures.

Diatomaceous earth-food filtering aid only.

Egg white lysozyme (CAS # 9001-63-2)

Enzymes-must be derived from edible, nontoxic plants, nonpathogenic fungi, or nonpathogenic bacteria.

Flavors, nonsynthetic sources only and must not be produced using synthetic solvents and carrier systems or any artificial preservative.

Gellan gum (CAS # 71010-52-1)-high-acyl form only.

Glucono delta-lactone-production by the oxidation of D-glucose with bromine water is prohibited.

Kaolin.

L-Malic acid (CAS # 97-67-6).

Magnesium sulfate, nonsynthetic sources only.

Microorganisms-any food grade bacteria, fungi, and other microorganism.

Nitrogen-oil-free grades.

Oxygen-oil-free grades.

Perlite-for use only as a filter aid in food processing.

Potassium chloride.

Potassium iodide.

Sodium bicarbonate.

Sodium carbonate.

Tartaric acid-made from grape wine.

Waxes-nonsynthetic (Carnauba wax; and Wood resin).

Yeast-When used as food or a fermentation agent in products labeled as "organic," yeast must be organic if its end use is for human consumption; nonorganic yeast may be used when organic yeast is not commercially available. Growth on petrochemical substrate and sulfite waste liquor is prohibited. For smoked yeast, nonsynthetic smoke flavoring process must be documented.

(b) Synthetics allowed:

Acidified sodium chlorite-Secondary direct antimicrobial food treatment and indirect food contact surface sanitizing. Acidified with citric acid only.

Activated charcoal (CAS #s 7440-44-0; 64365-11-3)-only from vegetative sources; for use only as a filtering aid.

Alginates.

Ammonium bicarbonate-for use only as a leavening agent.

Ammonium carbonate-for use only as a leavening agent.

Ascorbic acid.

Calcium citrate.

Calcium hydroxide.

Calcium phosphates (monobasic, dibasic, and tribasic).

Carbon dioxide.

Cellulose-for use in regenerative casings, as an anti-caking agent (non-chlorine bleached) and filtering aid.

Chlorine materials-disinfecting and sanitizing food contact surfaces, Except, That, residual chlorine levels in the water shall not exceed the maximum residual disinfectant limit under the Safe Drinking Water Act (Calcium hypochlorite; Chlorine dioxide; and Sodium hypochlorite).

Cyclohexylamine (CAS # 108-91-8)-for use only as a boiler water additive for packaging sterilization.

Diethylaminoethanol (CAS # 100-37-8)-for use only as a boiler water additive for packaging sterilization.

Ethylene-allowed for postharvest ripening of tropical fruit and degreening of citrus.

Ferrous sulfate-for iron enrichment or fortification of foods when required by regulation or recommended (independent organization).

Glycerides (mono and di)-for use only in drum drying of food.

Glycerin-produced by hydrolysis of fats and oils.

Hydrogen peroxide.

Magnesium carbonate-for use only in agricultural products labeled "made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s))," prohibited in agricultural products labeled "organic".

Magnesium chloride-derived from sea water.

Magnesium stearate-for use only in agricultural products labeled "made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s))," prohibited in agricultural products labeled "organic".

Nutrient vitamins and minerals, in accordance with 21 CFR 104.20, Nutritional Quality Guidelines For Foods.

Octadecylamine (CAS # 124-30-1)-for use only as a boiler water additive for packaging sterilization.

Ozone.

Peracetic acid/Peroxyacetic acid (CAS # 79-21-0)-for use in wash and/or rinse water according to FDA limitations. For use as a sanitizer on food contact surfaces.

Phosphoric acid-cleaning of food-contact surfaces and equipment only.

Potassium acid tartrate.

Potassium carbonate.

Potassium citrate.

Potassium hydroxide-prohibited for use in lye peeling of fruits and vegetables except when used for peeling peaches.

Potassium phosphate-for use only in agricultural products labeled "made with organic (specific ingredients or food group(s))," prohibited in agricultural products labeled "organic".

Silicon dioxide-Permitted as a defoamer. Allowed for other uses when organic rice hulls are not commercially available.

Sodium acid pyrophosphate (CAS # 7758-16-9)-for use only as a leavening agent.

Sodium citrate.

Sodium hydroxide-prohibited for use in lye peeling of fruits and vegetables.

Sodium phosphates-for use only in dairy foods.

Sulfur dioxide-for use only in wine labeled "made with organic grapes," Provided, That, total sulfite concentration does not exceed 100 ppm.

Tetrasodium pyrophosphate (CAS # 7722-88-5)-for use only in meat analog products.

Tocopherols-derived from vegetable oil when rosemary extracts are not a suitable alternative.

Xanthan gum.

�205.606 Nonorganically produced agricultural products allowed as ingredients in or on processed products labeled as "organic."

Only the following nonorganically produced agricultural products may be used as ingredients in or on processed products labeled as "organic," only in accordance with any restrictions specified in this section, and only when the product is not commercially available in organic form.

(a) Casings, from processed intestines.

(b) Celery powder.

(d) Colors derived from agricultural products-Must not be produced using synthetic solvents and carrier systems or any artificial preservative.

(1) Beet juice extract color (pigment CAS #7659-95-2).

(2) Beta-carotene extract color-derived from carrots or algae (pigment CAS# 7235-40-7).

(3) Black currant juice color (pigment CAS #'s: 528-58-5, 528-53-0, 643-84-5, 134-01-0, 1429-30-7, and 134-04-3).

(4) Black/Purple carrot juice color (pigment CAS #'s: 528-58-5, 528-53-0, 643-84-5, 134-01-0, 1429-30-7, and 134-04-3).

(5) Blueberry juice color (pigment CAS #'s: 528-58-5, 528-53-0, 643-84-5, 134-01-0, 1429-30-7, and 134-04-3).

(6) Carrot juice color (pigment CAS #1393-63-1).

(7) Cherry juice color (pigment CAS #'s: 528-58-5, 528-53-0, 643-84-5, 134-01-0, 1429-30-7, and 134-04-3).

(8) Chokeberry-Aronia juice color (pigment CAS #'s: 528-58-5, 528-53-0, 643-84-5, 134-01-0, 1429-30-7, and 134-04-3).

(9) Elderberry juice color (pigment CAS #'s: 528-58-5, 528-53-0, 643-84-5, 134-01-0, 1429-30-7, and 134-04-3).

(10) Grape juice color (pigment CAS #'s: 528-58-5, 528-53-0, 643-84-5, 134-01-0, 1429-30-7, and 134-04-3).

(11) Grape skin extract color (pigment CAS #'s: 528-58-5, 528-53-0, 643-84-5, 134-01-0, 1429-30-7, and 134-04-3).

(12) Paprika color (CAS #68917-78-2)-dried, and oil extracted.

(13) Pumpkin juice color (pigment CAS #127-40-2).

(14) Purple potato juice (pigment CAS #'s: 528-58-5, 528-53-0, 643-84-5, 134-01-0, 1429-30-7, and 134-04-3).

(15) Red cabbage extract color (pigment CAS #'s: 528-58-5, 528-53-0, 643-84-5, 134-01-0, 1429-30-7, and 134-04-3).

(16) Red radish extract color (pigment CAS #'s: 528-58-5, 528-53-0, 643-84-5, 134-01-0, 1429-30-7, and 134-04-3).

(17) Saffron extract color (pigment CAS #1393-63-1).

(18) Turmeric extract color (CAS #458-37-7).

(e) Dillweed oil (CAS # 8006-75-5).

(f) Fish oil (Fatty acid CAS #'s: 10417-94-4, and 25167-62-8)-stabilized with organic ingredients or only with ingredients on the National List, ��205.605 and 205.606.

(g) Fortified cooking wines.

(1) Marsala.

(2) Sherry.

(h) Fructooligosaccharides (CAS # 308066-66-2).

(i) Galangal, frozen.

(j) Gelatin (CAS # 9000-70-8).

(k) Gums-water extracted only (Arabic; Guar; Locust bean; and Carob bean).

(l) Hops (Humulus lupulus) until January 1, 2013.

(m) Inulin-oligofructose enriched (CAS # 9005-80-5).

(n) Kelp-for use only as a thickener and dietary supplement.

(o) Konjac flour (CAS # 37220-17-0).

(p) Lecithin-de-oiled.

(q) Lemongrass-frozen.

(r) Orange pulp, dried.

(s) Orange shellac-unbleached (CAS # 9000-59-3).

(t) Pectin (non-amidated forms only).

(u) Peppers (Chipotle chile).

(v) Seaweed, Pacific kombu.

(w) Starches.

(1) Cornstarch (native).

(2) Rice starch, unmodified (CAS # 977000-08-0)-for use in organic handling until June 21, 2009.

(3) Sweet potato starch-for bean thread production only.

(x) Tragacanth gum (CAS #-9000-65-1).

(y) Turkish bay leaves.

(z) Wakame seaweed (Undaria pinnatifida).

(aa) Whey protein concentrate.

To see the National List for yourself, just click the words. Don't despair. Anyone can petition to amend the National List. If you've found a substance that is of particular concern, just follow the step by step process below and see where it gets you.

�205.607 Amending the National List.

(a) Any person may petition the National Organic Standard Board for the purpose of having a substance evaluated by the Board for recommendation to the Secretary for inclusion on or deletion from the National List in accordance with the Act.

(b) A person petitioning for amendment of the National List should request a copy of the petition procedures from the USDA at the address in �205.607(c).

(c) A petition to amend the National List must be submitted to: Program Manager, USDA/AMS/TMP/NOP, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 4008-So., Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250.

Is it any wonder, we're saying that "Aquaganic™" fruits and vegetables have a real chance of being accepted by the "power shoppers" once they realize what the USDA Label really is and isn't? This data was current up to September 17, 2014; but, unfortunately, because the NOSB (National Organic Standards Board) has been co-opted by Big Food, the result of which has been many substances added to this National List with more substances being added, more often, there have, most likely, been several new substances added since the current posted date of September 17th, 2014. The great fear is that GMO's will be allowed; and that will kill the USDA Certified Organic Label completely.

Don't miss:

The Organic Industry in the U.S. Part 3

Coming in November:USDA Organic MEXICO

MEXICO imports USDA Organic produce to the U.S. What are the rules? What is the outcome?

This is an amazing story. Be sure to read our November Newsletter.

What is The Dirty Dozen Plus?

In spite of all the negative press we've been giving USDA Organic Food, it's still superior to pesticide laden and GMO Food. Here's an eye opening List from the Environmental Working Group that shares some very disturbing news about some of our favorite fruits and vegetables when it comes to their pesticide residue contents.

The fruits and vegetables that retain the most pesticides are actually on a well-known List called "The Dirty Dozen"; and you're not going to like what you see.

THE DIRTY DOZEN listed by most pesticide residues:

1. Apples

2. Strawberries

3. Grapes

4. Celery

5. Peaches

6. Spinach

7. Sweet Bell Peppers

8. Nectarines (Imported)

9. Cucumbers

10. Cherry Tomatoes

11. Snap Peas (Imported)

12. Potatoes

It is highly recommended that you buy Organic or NCO (Non-Certified Organic) when it comes to these twelve fruits and vegetables. In terms of the image above, there are only three fruits and vegetables that are further down on the List. They are carrots at #22, Oranges at #31 and Bananas at #32 out of a total of 51 placements on the List.

To get more information about the dangers of eating pesticide laden food, go to the Environmental Working Group site.

Thank you for following our Second Series about The Organic Industry in the U.S. Please check back for Part 3 of this Series, USDA Organic MEXICO.

Sustainably,

Aquaponics USA/World

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