Organic Mushroom and Pet Food Final Rule

On December 23, 2024, the final rule for organic mushroom and organic pet food production was printed in the Federal Register.  This rule will be fully implemented on February 22, 2027.

The rule requires that all mushroom spawn and mushroom substrate that has not been composted be organic, unless a functionally equivalent organic material is not commercially available. This includes any agricultural substrate materials that are pasteurized or sterilized. There are specific requirements for documenting the function of the non-organic material used, and proof that other organic materials do not provide that same function. The definition of compost used in mushroom production specifies that it comes from plant and animal materials and must be maintained at 131 degrees F for three days. There are no turning requirements. This compost aspect could be revisited based upon the NOSB and their possible recommendations for changes to the compost definition and the types of feedstocks can be included (such as biodegradable plastics). Wood products cannot have been treated with prohibited substances after they were harvested.

This rule did not provide for fungi to have its own scope, and determined that even though mushrooms are a different kingdom than plants, mushrooms could still be certified organic under the crop scope and do not need to meet all crop production requirements.

Pets are now clearly defined, and the making of organic pet food must meet all current food processing requirements in the rule. Taurine was added to the National List as an approved ingredient in pet food.