Presented at ASTA's 2024 Regulatory Workshop, this session explored the implications of FDA’s revised Appendix 1, which identifies heavy metals as a potential hazard requiring a preventive control for spices. It also explored real-life case studies and provided discussion with industry colleagues on how to best consider heavy metals in their risk management strategy.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the long-anticipated revised draft “Appendix 1” of the multi-chapter draft guidance for industry titled Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food: Draft Guidance for Industry on January 30, 2024. Since the initial publication of “Appendix 1”, many food industry groups, including ASTA, advocated for FDA to update the guidance to make corrections, reflect the latest scientific evidence, and minimize confusion and inconsistencies. The updated draft includes a number of notable revisions to potential hazards in spices and seasonings and guidance on hazard analysis for spices, including several updates that were requested by ASTA. The “Appendix 1” guidance has significant implications for FDA food facility inspections, as it is used as a key reference by inspectors. This 45-minute webinar provides the latest updates on how they may impact your food safety plan and facility inspections.