This panel session focused on FDA’s recent guidance and industry engagement on allergens, including the agency’s current thinking on labeling, enforcement, and thresholds, as well as provided insight on how global regulatory bodies are approaching allergen management. Attendees learned more about how the growing regulatory focus on allergens may have an impact on operations and also walked through how allergen risk assessments may be conducted for spices.

This session provided an overview of the role of Codex Alimentarius in influencing global regulations and promoting global regulatory harmonization. Nick Gardner explains the foundations of Codex Alimentarius and summarizes recent developments of interest to the spice industry, including discussions on country of harvest labeling and contaminant standards. He also examined the potential ramifications of the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization and how this may influence the U.S.'s role in international food policy.