This presentation was provided at the 2020 Annual Online The presenter, Exponent Inc, presented a webinar on an exposure-based screening tool for contaminants in spices, including a brief overview of the risk characterization framework and a dietary exposure assessment, a description of the screening tool including objective, approach, framework, and data, and a tool demonstration (lead in cinnamon/cassia as a case study).

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.