Stricter guidelines have been put in place by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) for the evaluation and labelling of agricultural components and processing aids used in organic products. The goal of OMRI’s new rules for organic processing Inputs is to make the organic supply chain more resilient. Better compliance with the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) rules is another goal of this modification.

Background:

In the past, OMRI permitted the labelling of organic substances in processing aids. But since the finished product itself wasn’t organically certified, this led to uncertainty. The new regulation upholds organic standards and clear labelling.

Key Changes:

In the processing/handling scope, OMRI no longer reviews or lists any organic final products.

Ingredients sourced organically cannot be labelled as organic on processed products. i.e. Label statements that an agricultural component in a formulation is organic are no longer allowed by OMRI, even if the ingredient was obtained or bought from a certified organic farm.

Several product categories require reformulation or delisting. A number of products that are OMRI Listed and contain agricultural components, including fruit coatings, will need to be delisted or have their listing category changed to “made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s))” only.

Impact of OMRI’s New Rules for Organic Processing Inputs:

Manufacturers using organic ingredients in processing aids may need to reformulate products or seek organic certification from a USDA certifier.

Products like fruit coatings containing organic ingredients might be delisted or restricted for use in “made with organic” products only.

OMRI emphasizes its dedication to working with suppliers to find alternative solutions that meet the revised standards. This move signifies a stronger focus on maintaining clarity and integrity within the organic supply chain.