ASIC appeals on carrageenan delisting

CEBU, Philippines — The ASEAN Seaweed Industry Club (ASIC) has formally submitted its appeal to the United States Department of Agriculture on the possible resolution of the industry's pending case with America's National Organics Standards Board (NOSB).

In a letter dated August 2, 2017, signed by ASIC chairman Maximo Ricohermoso, the group addressed the concern directly to newly appointed USDA secretary George Ervin “Sonny” Perdue III.

In a 10-3 vote on November 17, 2016, the NOSB of the US has voted to remove carrageenan from the list of "approved for use in organic food".

However, the final and binding vote will be taken by USDA panelists who generally follow NOSB recommendations.

NOSB is a body that advises the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

"We respectfully bring to your kind attention the alarming development besetting the seaweed and carrageenan industry due to the position taken by the US National Organic Standard Board (NOSB) recommending the removal of carrageenan in the List of Allowed Ingredients in Organic Food," the letter reads.

ASIC explained further to Perdue that its response refuting every issues raised against carrageenan have not been given due course nor objective appreciation of the presented scientific and empirical facts contained in the position papers submitted by Indonesia, the Philippines and other countries.

The letter further reasoned that the contemplated alternatives for organic products include substance like gellan gum produced in a laboratory through bacterial fermentation while carrageenan comes absolutely from farmed and naturally grown seaweed.

Through this formal appeal to the USDA, ASIC hopes that the department led by Perdue will immediately come up with fair understanding of its position and would merit objective, impartial and equitable resolution of the foregoing issue that would eventually retain carrageenan in the List of Allowed Ingredients in Organic Food  Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (FAO/WHO JECFA).

The Seaweed Industry of the Philippines (SIAP) is the lead organization of ASIC.

 A copy of the letter was also furnished to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) secretary Ramon M. Lopez and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) undersecretary Eduardo Gongona. (FREEMAN)