ASTA Statement on Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Report Recommendations - September 9, 2025

The following statement in response to the MAHA Report Recommendations is attributable to Laura Shumow, Executive Director of the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA):

“While the latest draft Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) report devotes less attention to some earlier themes, it continues to emphasize phasing out artificial ingredients, such as food dyes, and improving children’s diets. In recent months, many food companies have voluntarily pledged to phase out synthetic colors in response to the MAHA initiative. As the food industry explores ways to advance this initiative, spices offer a solution to naturally add flavor and color to whole and nutritious foods, while promoting a healthy diet. 

“Importantly, spices help increase children’s vegetable consumption, replace added sugar and sodium, and provide natural options to aid weight management and heart health. Furthermore, specific spices have been shown to deliver a range of unique health benefits, including turmeric’s inflammation-fighting properties, cinnamon’s beneficial impact on blood sugar, and ginger’s role in aiding digestion. 

“It will be critical that the Administration tailor its trade policies to help keep grocery costs down, a key factor in realizing Secretary Kennedy’s goal of promoting healthier eating among U.S. families. Unfortunately, tariffs on spices that cannot be grown in the United States will make it harder for Americans to access safe and affordable pantry staples, such as pepper, vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger. ASTA encourages the Administration to continue exploring special considerations for ‘unavailable natural resources’ that must be imported, like essential spices. 

“We remain a committed partner to advancing health and trade policies that preserve access to natural and healthy food ingredients and protect the interests of U.S. businesses and families, alike. Now more than ever, government and private sector stakeholders must work together to help keep healthy food costs down for families already struggling with inflation.” 

For more information, visit: https://astaspice.org/resources/asta-spice-tariffs-fact-sheet.