The presence of pesticide chemical residues in foods, such as spices, is regulated under section 408 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended (FFDCA). The permissible level of pesticide chemical residue allowed in or on foods or feed is governed by either a pesticide tolerance or an exemption from tolerance. If a food contains a pesticide residue for which no tolerance or exemption from tolerance has been established, it is adulterated within the meaning of section 402 of the FFDCA and is subject to enforcement action. ASTA has published a list of U.S. pesticide tolerances that are established for spices and herbs by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under 40CFR180. This list is intended to facilitate compliance with U.S. tolerances.

In June 2022, ASTA submitted a petition to EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs to establish import tolerances for cypermethrin in/on fruits and berries spices at 0.2 ppm, and roots and rhizomes spices at 0.5 ppm. The tolerances were established on October 4, 2023.