The FDA is implementing import certification requirements under Section 801(q) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (added by FSMA Section 303) for certain foods from certain regions of Indonesia due to Cesium-137 (Cs-137) contamination risks. This was based on information available, including detection of elevated levels of Cs-137 in several shipments, including shrimp and cloves, FDA sample analysis, and known sources of contamination in the region. This one-pager provides what you need to know for shipping products subject to Import Alert (IA) 99-52.

At the 2025 ASTA Annual Meeting & Exhibits, held on April 9th in Savannah, Georgia, Shawn Jarosz presented “Update on Cross-Border Trade and Tariffs” as part of the symposium "Navigating the Spice Supply Chain Course: Discourse, Disruption, and Solutions." The session provided a comprehensive overview of trade policy and tariff actions implemented to date, with a specific focus on their impact on U.S. spice imports. Jarosz highlighted the critical role that cross-border trade and tariff policies play in shaping supply chain stability, pricing, and market access. The presentation also examined ongoing and proposed mitigation efforts to manage disruptions and maintain a resilient trade flow. Key takeaways emphasized the need for industry stakeholders to stay informed and engaged on trade developments, and to explore collaborative strategies to adapt to evolving global trade dynamics.