Acid Stabilization of Liquid Fish and Squid Products

I know the National Organic Program (NOP) rule allows liquid fish and liquid squid products to be pH adjusted with some acids. What are the standards for using synthetic acids in liquid fish and squid products?

By Amber Lippert

NOP §§205.601(j)(8) and 205.601(10) state that liquid fish products and liquid squid products, respectively, can be pH adjusted using sulfuric, citric or phosphoric acid, and that the amount of acid used shall not exceed the minimum needed to lower the pH to 3.5. Manufacturers use these acids to stabilize the fish or squid and to prevent the product from putrefying. Synthetic sulfuric, citric and phosphoric acids are not allowed for any other crop fertility or soil amendment purpose. 

If a liquid fish or squid product were stabilized with more phosphoric acid than is needed to lower the pH to 3.5, the product would not be allowed for use in organic production. The phosphoric acid in this case would be seen as used for fortification of the product's phosphorus levels, beyond simply the stabilization of the fish or squid. 

If a multi-ingredient fertilizer contains stabilized liquid fish or squid as an ingredient, the allowed acid must be added to the liquid fish or squid before it is blended with other ingredients. For example, blending a liquid fish product with an ingredient like calcium carbonate will raise the pH of the product. The use of excess acid to lower the pH of the whole product to 3.5 is not permitted. Adding a different ingredient to a liquid fish formulation that has little or no effect on pH, such as soybean meal, does not justify the use of excess acid needed, because there is more bulk to adjust. Synthetic sulfuric, citric or phosphoric acid are not allowed for pH adjusting soybean meal, calcium carbonate, or any other material besides the liquid fish or squid. 

Tests for pH of products containing liquid fish or squid should be conducted for the stabilized fish or squid ingredient, prior to blending with other ingredients, to accurately show whether an appropriate amount of acid was used. 

Organic farmers should always check with their certifier prior to using new products. 

This article originally appeared in the March 2011 edition of the OMRI Materials Review newsletter, and was revised in February 2022 by Senior Bilingual Technical Coordinator Tina Jensen Augustine.