ASTA Draft Risk Profile Comments

On June 16, 2025, ASTA submitted comments in response to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Request for Information (RFI) on industry practices on the growing, harvesting, processing, and distribution of poppy seeds. The comments outline the typical poppy seed supply chains, as well as the role of pre- and post-harvest processing steps (e.g., microbiological treatment, baking, etc.) in reducing opiate alkaloid levels in poppy seed-based products.

ASTA issued comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February 2021 on the Voluntary Disclosure of Sesame as an Allergen: Guidance for Industry. Comments outline inconsistencies and confusion arising from the guidance, including that FDA policy already provides that sesame should not be labeled under the generic declaration of spices. ASTA requests that FDA revoke the voluntary guidance due to the legislative process and the FASTER Act.