August 25, 2010

USDA sets interim rule on methionine in organic poultry production

The USDA's National Organic Program (NOP) has made an amendment to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances; the amendment extends the use of methionine in organic poultry production.

Published in the Federal Register as an interim rule with request for comments, it extends the allowance for methionine in organic poultry production until October 1, 2012, with the following maximum allowable limits of methionine per tonne of feed: four pounds for layers, five pounds for broilers, and six pounds for turkeys and all other poultry. This interim rule is based upon a recommendation by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) on April 12, 2010.

Methionine is an essential amino acid necessary in poultry diets for proper cell growth and feather development. While methionine is naturally present in organic poultry feed, the amount is not sufficient to maintain the optimal health of the birds. The NOSB determined that the loss of the use of synthetic methionine would disrupt the organic poultry market and cause substantial economic hardship to organic poultry operations.

The interim rule will become effective October 1, 2010, and is currently available for comments.

Under the authority of the Organic Foods Production Act, the Secretary of Agriculture can amend the National List based on proposed amendments developed by the NOSB. The National List identifies the synthetic substances that may be used and nonsynthetic (natural) substances that may not be used in organic production. Since being established in 2001, the National List has been amended 13 times, including this interim rule.