Scientific Review of FDA's Draft Risk Profile on Spices

In January 2025, ASTA submitted comments to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on its discussion paper on the development of an enhanced systematic process for the post-market assessment of chemicals in food. ASTA's comment note that environmental contaminants are unique and should be addressed using a separate or modified approach to that used for intentionally added chemicals. The comments also call for the development of additional guidance to assist industry with setting appropriate thresholds for contaminants.

In April 2026, ASTA signed onto a multi-industry letter to Congressional leaders on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, urging for continued funding to support the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet), the only active foodborne illness surveillance network in the United States, as well as other food safety work at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).