NOP Final Rule Permits Synthetic Methionine Use in Organic Poultry

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program (NOP) has
issued a final rule permitting the use of synthetic methionine in organic
poultry production. Effective October 1, 2012, the final rule reduces the
maximum levels of methionine per ton of feed as follows: (i) 2 pounds for
laying and broiler chickens, and (ii) 3 pounds for turkeys and all other poultry.
The final rule also amends the Chemicals Abstracts Service (CAS) numbers “for
the allowable forms of synthetic methionine.”

According to NOP, “[m]ethionine is classified as an essential amino acid for
poultry because it is needed to maintain viability and must be acquired
through the diet… Natural feed sources with a high percentage of methionine
include blood meal, fish meal, crab meal, corn gluten meal, alfalfa meal, and sunflower seed meal.” In reviewing the rules governing the use of synthetic methionine, a water-soluble crystalline powder, in organic poultry production,
the National Organic Standards Board sought to balance the basic maintenance
requirements of organic poultry with consumers’ expectations and the
need for industry “to continue the pursuit of commercially sufficient sources
of methionine.” Additional details about the proposed rule appear in Issue 426
of this Update. See Federal Register, September 19, 2012.