Six Key Takeaways From the ASTA 2026 Regulatory Workshop

The spice industry met with regulators and policymakers in Washington, DC. Explore six key takeaways.

On October 6–7, the spice industry came together in Washington, DC, and online for the ASTA 2026 Regulatory Workshop. Spice companies sat down with the regulators and policymakers who shape the rules of the trade.

Dr. Donald Prater, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Food at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), opened with a keynote on the agency’s food policy priorities. Over two days, state and federal officials and industry leaders worked through the issues facing every part of the supply chain.

Those conversations built a shared understanding of evolving regulations, standards, and consumer insights. The workshop also showed what the spice industry can accomplish when it works through hard questions together.

Attendees at the ASTA 2026 Regulatory Workshop in Washington, DC

Missed the Workshop, or Want to Share It With Your Team?

The Essential Regulatory Education Bundle puts every 2026 Regulatory Workshop presentation and recording on demand. It also includes the full 10-part U.S. Spice Regulations 101 webinar series, a $995 value.

ASTA members can access everything for one price of $395.

Photos From the Week

Browse every album from the ASTA 2026 Regulatory Workshop and related events.

See all event photos

What the Industry Discussed: Six Takeaways

1. New York has finalized heavy metal limits for spices.

State regulators walked attendees through recall action limits for lead, cadmium, and arsenic.

2. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) poses challenges.

Novel applications of DNA testing methods are gaining popularity for spice purity testing. However, experts cautioned that these methods have real limitations.

3. Pesticide policies are evolving.

Pesticide regulations are growing more complex. FDA has eased its screening of residues in spices. Meanwhile, ASTA continues to promote compliance through global harmonization.

4. Trade enforcement and due diligence are shifting.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) shared new enforcement priorities for herb and spice supply chains.

5. State regulations drive up food costs.

In 2026, lawmakers introduced 123 proposals on food ingredients in 36 states. The resulting patchwork of laws drives up food costs by 12%. Food affordability is also a top voter priority.

6. ASTA is moving from defense to offense.

After a series of advocacy wins in trade and regulatory policy, the spice industry has an opportunity to promote the benefits of spices. Members who engage now help set the agenda.

Beyond the Sessions

The week also brought members together with ASTA leadership, Congress, and global partners.

ASTA Board Meeting and Committee Updates

The ASTA Board of Directors met to discuss association business and strategic priorities. Committee chairs then joined to share their progress and plans.

ASTA Board of Directors meeting during the 2026 Regulatory Workshop

Member Town Hall

Members and leadership discussed ASTA’s direction and priorities in an open conversation.

Congressional Spice Caucus

Members joined the bipartisan caucus on Capitol Hill for a briefing and reception. The International Food Information Council (IFIC) presented new research on consumer trends.

See the IFIC consumer trends briefing (PDF)

ASTA members at the Congressional Spice Caucus briefing on Capitol Hill

Global Partnerships: An Evening at India House

The Embassy of India partnered with ASTA to celebrate the spice trade. Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra and ASTA President Donald Pratt delivered remarks.

See the photo album from India House

Guests at the Embassy of India reception celebrating the spice trade

In the News

India-U.S. Spice Trade Reception Highlights Cultural Ties and Industry Cooperation (South Asian Herald)
US Traders Bat for Tariff Exemptions on Spices (MSN)
US Spice Industry Seeks Permanent Tariff Exemption (Global Indian News Network)
Indian Spices Bring ‘Indianness’ to US Homes (Mangalorean.com)

Acknowledgments

Congratulations, Liz Morris

Congratulations to Liz Morris, VP of Technical Sales at Elite Spice, Inc., on her upcoming retirement in 2027. ASTA members were delighted to celebrate her in person. Thank you, Liz, for your years of service to the spice industry.