ASTA Cleanliness Specifications
ASTA's Cleanliness Specifications were developed to ensure that spices meet federal regulatory requirements for safety and cleanliness. They were designed to meet or exceed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Defect Action Levels.
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Related Resources
Principles of Physical Cleaning of Spices
The Principles of Physical Cleaning of Spices guidance document includes information on the principles of cleaning and reconditioning of spices and recommended equipment.
Study Report: Macroanalytical & Microanalytical Analysis of Parsley
In 2025, ASTA launched a collaborative study with FTS Laboratories and parsley suppliers to evaluate light filth and extraneous matter in parsley across a range of origins and grind sizes. The objective was to help inform potential cleanliness specifications for pre-processed parsley, given the absence of FDA Defect Action Levels (DALs) and existing ASTA Cleanliness Standards for this parsley. Samples were analyzed both macroscopically and microscopically for extraneous matter (ASTA Method 14.1) and light filth (AOAC Method 975.49).
