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What forms of iodine are used as topical disinfectants?
By Brian Baker
The antiseptic properties of iodine have been recognized since at least 1830, when the first iodine tincture was registered with the U.S. Pharmacoepia. The form that is active as an antimicrobial is molecular iodine (I2). However, molecular iodine is highly reactive in its pure...
ACAMEX and OMRI Team Up for Mexico Training
By Cesar Cartagena
The year 2021 proved an eventful year for the organic sector. Both the Mexican and Canadian organic regulations underwent several amendments in late 2020, the European Union adopted its updated organic regulations in January 2021, and the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) undertook 2021 and 2022 Sunset Review and Substance Renewals. As a result of all these changes, professionals in the organic sector have been digesting a large volume of new information....
Why can’t OMRI Listed® ingredients be blended and marketed as OMRI Listed without undergoing review?
By Amanda Kerr
Only products reviewed by OMRI and determined to be allowed for use in organic production may market themselves as “OMRI Listed.” The OMRI Listed seal assures the suitability of products for certified organic production, handling and processing under the...
How can I interpret restrictions for a potting soil when it’s listed in two categories?
By Jennifer Christie
To organic producers and certifiers, an input’s OMRI Listed® seal and certificate indicate that the product has undergone a rigorous independent review process. Understanding how to interpret an OMRI...
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...
I’ve been puzzled by what is meant about “oil-free grades” for the atmospheric gases oxygen and nitrogen. Why are those annotations there, and how does one verify if there is an oil-free grade?
The U.S. organic rules permit the use of nitrogen and oxygen gases in organic food processing, but places a restriction on their origin to “oil-free grades” only. Older...
By Matt Sircely
Fifteen years after the inception of Mexico’s Organic Products Law (LPO), the organic program in Mexico is now entering a new phase of regulatory transition. On June 9, 2021, the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) formally extended until January 1, 2022, the deadline for all imports with organic claims to demonstrate compliance with LPO requirements...
Can hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate or silicon dioxide be used as a treatment to reduce aflatoxins in feed?
By Brian Baker
If the material is nonsynthetic, then yes. Otherwise, no.
The use of mycotoxin binders or adsorbants in feed can reduce toxic substances produced by Aspergillus spp. and related fungi harmful to livestock. Hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate...
What is the status of pelargonic acid? Can it be used as an herbicidal soap in organic production?
By Brian Baker
Pelargonic acid, also known as nonanoic acid, occurs naturally in many animals and plants, including geranium (Pelargonium spp.). Commercially, however, pelargonic acid is manufactured using a synthetic process; to produce the active ingredient, various sources of fats...
Is polyvinyl acetate allowed as a wood treatment?
By Jacky Castañeda
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) defines an inert ingredient in a pesticidal product as “an ingredient which is not active.” USDA National Organic Program (NOP) regulations follow this definition when considering products formulated as pesticides. While the definition is simple and any number of ingredients may be defined by this classification, limitations exist, especially when dealing with synthetic substances....
