States are increasingly enacting their own food ingredient safety laws, often exceeding federal standards and creating a patchwork of regulatory requirements for food manufacturers. This session provided an update on recent state-level activity, including bans on specific food colors and additives, new chemical disclosure and labeling requirements, and other ingredient-related legislation. Special attention was given to New York’s proposed lead limits in spices and broader implications for the spice supply chain.

This session provided an overview of the role of Codex Alimentarius in influencing global regulations and promoting global regulatory harmonization. Nick Gardner explains the foundations of Codex Alimentarius and summarizes recent developments of interest to the spice industry, including discussions on country of harvest labeling and contaminant standards. He also examined the potential ramifications of the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization and how this may influence the U.S.'s role in international food policy.