FAQs: Heavy Metals in Spices
This document covers Frequently Asked Questions about heavy metals in spices. The topics of questions include safety, the involvement of the FDA and regulatory authorities, availability, limits, and stewardship efforts.
01/05/2023 at 5:16 am
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Related Resources
Presentation: An Extended Study on the Fractionation and Characterization of Lead-Enriched Lichens on Cassia Tree Bark
At the 2026 Annual Meeting, Lien Hoang Thi of the Vietnam Pepper & Spice Association (VPSA) presented an update on ongoing research in Vietnam examining sources of lead in cassia. The research has progressed from evaluating soil lead levels to assessing lead concentrations within and on cassia bark, with findings indicating that contamination is primarily a surface issue. These results suggest lead can be effectively managed through targeted mitigation strategies, such as lichen removal prior to processing. Next steps include evaluating lichen removal methods, assessing seasonal variation in lead accumulation, identifying potential airborne sources of lead, and informing enhanced pre-processing standards and best practices.
Research Report on Heavy Metals in Vietnamese Cassia
In 2022, ASTA partnered with several NGOs (GREAT, IDH, CRED) to conduct a pilot study to identify the contributing factors of heavy metals in Vietnamese cassia. The study evaluated levels of heavy metals in the environment (soil, water, air) and in cassia products (fresh & dried). The study did not find a significant relationship between concentrations of heavy metals in the environment and in cassia. However, preliminary data supplied by a cinnamon exporting company demonstrated the potential to significantly reduce the concentration of heavy metals in finished cassia products by peeling the outermost layer of the bark.
