2026 Regulatory Workshop

Held annually in Washington, D.C., ASTA’s Regulatory Workshop is designed to bring together the spice industry with regulatory experts, U.S. government officials, and policymakers to discuss vital topics related to food safety compliance. This event’s robust programming features presentations by subject matter experts, topical panels, facilitated group discussions, and unique networking opportunities to connect with colleagues.

ASTA’s informative sessions will provide timely updates on emerging issues in food policy and spice regulations, including state and federal legislative developments, ingredient safety, contaminants, allergens, and more.

Discover how to navigate changing regulations as they impact the spice supply chain.

Hear first-hand from government agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, on policies impacting spices. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead of evolving regulatory policies and ensure compliance with changing standards in the spice industry!

Monday, October 5

ASTA Board of Directors Meeting with Committee Chairs

Invite Only

Congressional Spice Caucus Briefing & Reception

Invite Only

Board & Committee Chair Dinner

Invite Only

Tuesday, October 6

Analytical Methods Subcommittee

Invite Only

Education Leadership Council

Invite Only

Science & Regulatory Committee

Invite Only

Town Hall

Welcome Lunch

Exclusively sponsored by Merieux NutriSciences

Keynote: FDA Food Policy Priorities

Dr. Donald Prater, FDA Acting Deputy Commissioner for Food, will provide an overview of the agency's current food policy priorities and what they could mean for the spice industry.

Donald Prater, D.V.M., Food and Drug Administration

Panel Discussion: Federal Preemption vs. State Requirements in Food Policy

Experts will examine the growing tension between state-level food requirements and federal standards, including the implications for companies navigating the patchwork of requirements and efforts to promote a uniform federal standard.

New York State Heavy Metal Limits for Spices: What You Need to Know

Hear directly from New York State’s Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets about the latest recall action limits for lead, cadmium, and arsenic in spices and what they mean for industry.

Katie Howard, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets

Interactive Group Discussion: Navigating Pesticide MRLs and Chemical Hazards

Work through real-world case studies to explore how companies can assess safety and compliance when pesticide tolerances or other regulatory guidance are unavailable or unclear.

Victoria Siegel (Vicki), Eurofins CAL

ASTA Advocacy Update: From Defense to Offense

Get an update on ASTA's advocacy and public policy priorities, and efforts to address emerging regulatory and trade challenges while proactively building support for the industry, including through the new "Spice Cabinet," the bipartisan Congressional Spice Caucus.

An Evening Celebrating Global Partnerships in the Spice Trade

Off-Site

Transportation will be provided to and from the Dupont Circle Hotel for the welcome reception at India House.

Exclusively sponsored by Jayanti Herbs & Spice

Wednesday, October 7

Microbiology Subcommittee

Invite Only

AI and Food Safety: Opportunity, Risk and Practical Uses

Explore how AI can support food safety decision-making, how to evaluate and validate AI tools for your operation, what risks they introduce, and whether they can improve on existing approaches.

Abigail Snyder, Ph.D., Cornell University

Cesium-137 and Indonesian Spices: Lessons Learned and What Comes Next

FDA and industry experts will examine how an unexpected contamination of spices with cesium-137 triggered new import requirements for Indonesian spices, provide an update on the current status, and discuss potential next steps to reduce unnecessary burdens on importers.

Interactive Group Discussion: Setting Expectations for Validation Across the Supply Chain

Work with peers to explore how validation studies are being used in the spice supply chain and how companies can establish and communicate clear expectations with suppliers and customers.

“Fireside Chat” with Laura Shumow.

Virtual

Virtual attendees will join an exclusive, “Fireside Chat” with Laura Shumow.

Laura Shumow, ASTA

Lunch

Exclusively sponsored by ofi

Pesticide Policy: MAHA, Agriculture and the Future of Crop Protection

Hear perspectives from the MAHA movement and CropLife America on evolving pesticide policy, including concerns about public health and chemical exposure, the realities of crop protection and food production, farmer viability, and opportunities for constructive collaboration.

Low-Moisture Foods Guidance: From Draft Guidance to Practical Application

Examine the practical considerations of FDA’s draft guidance for low-moisture ready-to-eat foods and how its recommendations are being applied across herb and spice operations and other low moisture food categories.

Group Discussion: Genetic Testing for Spice Purity: Pitfalls, Potential and Practical Applications

Learn what Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) can and cannot tell you about spice purity, explore the technology's practical limitations, and discuss where it may fit in the spice industry.

Emerging Trade Policy and Due Diligence: What's Changing for Spice Importers?

Explore evolving trade policies, enhanced customs enforcement priorities and emerging due diligence requirements in herb and spice supply chains.

Regulatory Roundup & Wrap Up: What Spice Companies Need to Know

Close out the workshop with a practical review of the latest food safety, import enforcement, inspection and regulatory developments, with a focus on emerging issues and key takeaways for spice companies.