Will USDA Water Down Organic Standards?

Published on: July 25, 2006

The United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service has an idea ... let's change the regulations to allow some eight substances that are now prohibited for use in organic beef production. Why do they want to do this? We can only surmise that with organic producers concerned about being able to meet supply demands that these will allow more companies to offer "organic" beef. However, the bigger issue is whether allowing these substances dilutes the long-term growth of the organic beef industry, the end product itself and produces even more consumer confusion about what organic is and is not.

So read this list carefully, because between now and September 15th we have a voice in the decision (more on that later):

Atropine: Used as an antidote for organophosphate poisoning, usually the result of exposure to pesticides. Atropine is an extract from the plant atropa belladonna, commonly known as deadly nightshade which is one of the most toxic plants found in the Western hemisphere. (Atropine is used by humans for pupil dilation in eye examinations.)

Bismuth subsalicylate: This is used as an absorbent, an anti-diarrhea drug, as well as for relief from stomach ulcers caused by a corn-heavy diet that grass-eating cows are not used to. (This is an active ingredient found in Pepto-Bismol.)

Butorphanol: This is used as a painkiller, but wears off quickly, and belongs to the class called opiate agonists, and is similar to morphine and fentanyl. The National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) recommended that the period between the last use of the drug and slaughter or sale of milk be two times longer than the period recommended by the Food and Drug Administration, but the USDA does not think that this wait is necessary. (People use it to help manage migraines and for general anesthesia. The central nervous system is effected (confusion, dizziness) and sometimes nausea and vomiting occurs, and less commonly constipation.)

Flunixin: This is used for treating inflammation or fevers. It is a synthetic drug that breaks down and is removed from the body via urine. Again, as with Butorphanol, NOSB recommended a withdrawal period twice the length required by FDA, and USDA again disagreed. It may produce gastrointestinal side effects.

Furosemide: This is used for treatment of udder and pulmonary edema. It is a diuretic. As with Butorphanol and Flunixin, NOSB accepted the drug but requested an extended withdrawal period. USDA, again, disagreed on the necessity for such an extension.

Magnesium hydroxide: This is used as an antacid and laxative for use in treatment of upset stomach and constipation. This is a naturally occurring mineral. (Side effects of magnesium hydroxide in people may include allergic reactions, diarrhea or upset stomach.)

Peroxyacetic/paracetic acid: This is used for equipment sanitation and also as a topical disinfectant on animals and meat and dairy products. It is approved by FDA as an indirect food additive. (It is also used for anthrax decontamination.)

Poloxalene: This is used to treat bloating in cattle because it is a stool softener, and can be used in emergency situations or as a preventative measure by adding it to feed. The NOSB recommended that it be approved only for emergency treatments; USDA wants it to be used for preventative care as well.

So what do you think? Should USDA change the organic regulations and allow these 8 substances to be used in beef production?

If you have any comments about any of this, please send your comments before September 15, 2006 to: National.List@usda.gov

Column Archives

For archived copies of 200 Food and Health News stories, click the links below: