WASHINGTON —The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today adopted as final an interim rule that extends the use of synthetic methionine in organic poultry production until Oct. 1, 2012.
The final rule establishes the following maximum levels of synthetic methionine per ton of feed: laying chickens – 4 pounds; broiler chickens – 5 pounds; turkeys and all other poultry – 6 pounds. The full document is available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2011/pdf/2011-5716.pdf or at www.regulations.gov (enter keyword AMS–NOP–10–0051; NOP–10–04FR).
Consistent with a recommendation by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), the Secretary of Agriculture first amended the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances to allow methionine as a synthetic substance for use in organic poultry production beginning on Oct. 31, 2003. Based upon additional NOSB recommendations submitted in March 2005 and May 2008, the Secretary subsequently extended its allowance in organic poultry production through Oct. 21, 2008, and again through Oct. 1, 2010.
An interim rule published on Aug. 24, 2010, extended the use of methionine in organic poultry production until Oct. 1, 2012, and invited comments from the public on this extension. Based upon the NOSB recommendation and comments received, the NOP adopted the interim rule without change. A discussion of the comments received is available in the final rule.
Methionine is classified as an essential amino acid because it cannot be biologically produced by poultry and is necessary to maintain viability.
For more information, contact Melissa Bailey, Ph.D., Director, Standards Division, National Organic Program, USDA-AMS-NOP, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Room 2646-So., Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250, Email: Melissa.bailey@ams.usda.gov; Telephone: (202) 720-3252; Fax: (202) 205-7808.
Source: USDA Agricultural Marketing Service