It only takes one decision from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the Philippines’ seaweed products to continue making headway in the United States (US). And several position papers later, the Philippine government finally won. USDA announced recently that carrageenan, a naturally occurring seaweed-derived substance, will remain in their list of approved additives in organic food. The announcement was made in the 2018 Sunset Review of the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), which found merit in public comments supporting the renewal of carrageenan in the National List of Allowed Substances of the USDA.

Miraflor, M. B. (2018, April 21). USDA to help PH sell more seaweed products in US market. Manila Bulletin, p. B9.