2025 Regulatory Workshop - Regulatory & Industry Updates on Heavy Metals, Pesticides, and Other Contaminants

Denise Eblen, Deputy Administrator for the USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) provided an update on recall and public health alert trends. She emphasized the undeclared allergens, pathogens, and extraneous matter remain the leading causes of recalls and alerts. She also outlined FSIS’s plans to revise internal directives to better align with recent FDA guidance on allergens and ingredient labeling.

This session provided key updates on the latest trends in FDA import and facility inspections, entry review, sampling, and compliance expectations, along with practical guidance to help spice importers navigate inspections, avoid unnecessary delays, and streamline the import process.