In July 2025, ASTA signed onto a multi-industry letter requesting an extension to the comment period for FDA's "Tool for the Prioritization of Food Chemicals for Post-Market Assessment."

On June 16, 2025, ASTA submitted comments in response to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Request for Information (RFI) on industry practices on the growing, harvesting, processing, and distribution of poppy seeds. The comments outline the typical poppy seed supply chains, as well as the role of pre- and post-harvest processing steps (e.g., microbiological treatment, baking, etc.) in reducing opiate alkaloid levels in poppy seed-based products.

Presented by ASTA’s General Counsel, Maile Gradison at ASTA's 2024 Regulatory Workshop, this was an update on food safety and regulatory hot topics, including the latest developments at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as an overview of the impact of recent notable court cases, regulatory impacts from the upcoming election, and congressional developments on the food policy environment in the U.S.

At the 2025 ASTA Annual Meeting & Exhibits, held in Savannah, Georgia, a symposium on Navigating the Spice Supply Chain Course: Discourse, Disruption, and Solutions was held. Representatives from the Port of Savannah and regulatory agencies addressed navigating port logistics and working with regulators. This session included an operational overview of the Port of Savannah – one of the nation’s busiest ports, while addressing the unique challenges facing spice importers with respect to customs and FDA.

This webinar was presented by Maile Gradison, ASTA's General Counsel and partner at Hogan Lovells, and Anneke Altieri, Senior Associate with Hogan Lovells. The presentation will review FDA draft guidance published on January 6, 2025, intended to help manufacturers of Low-Moisture Ready-to-Eat (LMRTE) human foods, such as spices, establish sanitation programs and take appropriate corrective actions following a pathogen contamination event.

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.