Acres U.S.A.
December 2003

A Definite Maybe on Fishmeal

Despite a statement from NOP manager Richard Mathews saying it is all right to feed organically raised chickens with fishmeal, controversy surrounds the non-synthetic foodstuff, which can't comprise more than 5 percent of chicken feed in any case under organic rules. Mathews gave fishmeal the thumbs-up in a letter to a certifier in New York state. Word got around, and other certifiers were miffed at being left in the dark. The OTA objected on fundamental grounds, pointing out that meal made from fish from certain areas could contain significant levels of dioxin, PCB’s and heavy metals. When the organic standards were being drafted several years ago, the National Organic Standards Board formally opposed organic certification for wild-cought fish. Some kinds of fishmeal contain preservatives, and chicken growers are advised to check the ingredients list before using it as a supplement.

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