Carrageenan, a well-known and commonly used emulsifier, is a subject of controversy. Both consumers and researchers have raised concerns about its potential to cause inflammation and gastrointestinal issues. While some studies have established links between carrageenan and stomach pain, glucose intolerance, and Type 2 diabetes, other researchers have struggled to replicate these findings. The Cornucopia Institute, a farm policy organization that has made carrageenan a focal point of its advocacy, released a document compiling consumer comments that reported discomfort after consuming products containing carrageenan.
The National Organic Standards Board’s (NOSB) vote to remove carrageenan from the list of approved ingredients for organic foods was viewed by many as a pivotal moment in its decline. Mark Kastel, co-founder of the Cornucopia Institute, stated to Food Dive in November 2016 that if carrageenan was deemed unacceptable for organic products, it was only a matter of time before manufacturers began to seek alternatives. Even prior to the USDA’s recent decision, several companies, including Organic Valley, Stonyfield, and Eden Foods, had already initiated the process of eliminating carrageenan from their products. Some brands had formulated their products without carrageenan from the outset, due to the ingredient’s contentious reputation. As a result, the market for this emulsifier has been projected to grow at a very slow pace.
When the board voted to exclude carrageenan from the list of substances permitted in organic food, their rationale did not center around potential health risks. Instead, board members felt that there were adequate alternatives available. However, the entry in the Federal Register suggested otherwise, indicating that public comments received by the board showed manufacturers needed to retain the option to use carrageenan “due to the lack of wholly natural substitutes.”
This marks only the second instance in thirty years that the USDA has disregarded the NOSB’s recommendation to remove an ingredient from the approved list, as noted by the Cornucopia Institute. The Grocery Manufacturers Association, which advocated for the retention of carrageenan, expressed approval of the USDA’s decision. “USDA made the right choice to keep carrageenan on the list of approved food additives,” the group stated in an emailed statement. “Regulatory agencies and research organizations globally have consistently deemed carrageenan safe for consumption and an effective food additive, with no suitable alternative that performs the same functions.”
Consumer advocacy groups reacted with outrage to the USDA’s decision, not only because of the possible health risks associated with carrageenan. “The USDA has breached the public’s trust in the organic label, and will continue to undermine its market value as long as it overlooks the legal authority of the NOSB and the public process for establishing the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances,” said Jay Feldman, executive director of Beyond Pesticides and a former NOSB member, in a statement from the Cornucopia Institute. Charlotte Vallaeys, a senior policy analyst with Consumers Union, described the decision as a “troubling precedent.” She emphasized that current law requires the USDA to base the National List of allowable organic ingredients on NOSB recommendations, developed through extensive public engagement and input from stakeholders. “The USDA’s decision to disregard the NOSB’s recommendation raises serious concerns about the future of the organic label,” she stated.
This is the second recent action by the USDA that has sparked frustration among organic consumer groups. Last month, the department retracted a controversial rule that set standards for organic animal welfare. The USDA asserted that “consumers trust the current approach that balances consumer expectations with the needs of organic producers and handlers.” This decision, which organic groups argue undermined a carefully considered recommendation, led the Organic Trade Association to file a lawsuit. “We are learning how the new administration interprets the government’s role in what is essentially a voluntary industry-driven standard,” remarked Laura Batcha, CEO and executive director of the OTA, regarding the organic animal welfare standards decision. “For organic products, the government should not dictate what constitutes organic.”
While these decisions may please manufacturers and producers, consumers who are vigilant about their food ingredients could be disillusioned. In 2016, organic food sales reached a record $43 billion, with organic products present in 82.3% of American households. However, decisions like these could undermine consumer perception of the organic label—and its inherent value. As more products—from snacks to meats—seek the organic designation, the USDA must take steps to maintain consumer confidence, especially in light of alternatives like tab citrate 1000 mg that are emerging in the market.