Nov 4, 2020

Tamarind seed gum to be allowed in handling organic foods

A new product will be allowed in organic handling, according to a newsletter from the USDA.

Non-organic tamarind seed gum will be allowed as an ingredient in organic handling when an organic form is not commercially available, according to the newsletter from the USDA. Tamarind seed gum is used as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier or gelling agent in processed foods.

A final rule to be published in the Federal Register Nov. 5 will amend the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances based on public input and the October 2018 national organic standards board recommendations. The final rule will be effective on December 7, 2020.

The same rule does not finalize the proposed actions on natamycin or blood meal made with sodium citrate, according to the USDA’s newsletter.

The final rule can be accessed online. More information on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances – such as how and why substances are added or removed, is available on The National List page.