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.
Membership Required
A valid ASTA membership is required to access this page. Please use the form below to log in with your ASTA member account.
Log in
Not a member yet? Click here to learn about joining ASTA today.
Related Resources
ASTA Guidance Levels for Heavy Metals in Spices
ASTA's Guidance Levels for Heavy Metals in Spices outline ASTA's recommended guidance levels for lead in spices and background information on the regulation of heavy metals in spices in the U.S. and abroad, lead in spices, and other resources. This document was revised in 2025 to summarize new developments on the federal and state levels related to the enforcement of heavy metals in spices, as well as to provide insight into the consideration of heavy metals within hazard analyses.
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.
