The American Spice Trade Association and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have standardized the validation of the procedures and facilities of reconditioners who handle microbial reduction in imported spices.  Cleanliness is an important factor when evaluating spice quality. The microbiological quality of spices often reflects the production conditions in overseas locations. The spices can contain spoilage organisms such as yeast, mold, and bacteria. For entry into the United States and eventual release by the FDA, routine treatment of many spices, followed by sampling and testing have been standard industry practice for many years. Ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, steam and irradiation are commonly used for reconditioning spices. In early 2000, a joint FDA/ASTA program was undertaken to develop protocols for spice reconditioning for the three treatments, gas, steam and irradiation. The protocols, based on standard validations and HACCP principles, were completed in June 2001. The protocols and validation have two principal objectives: 1) To develop uniformity in the methods and procedures for microbial reduction wherever they are applied in the U.S. 2) To shorten the time required and to improve efficiency of the FDA release of treated spices. The program as currently structured allows individual and commercial reconditioners to validate their facilities and processes under the established FDA/ASTA protocols. The FDA has identified contacts at each district that typically handle spice imports, as well as headquarters experts to review validation submissions. Guidance documents have been developed for FDA site inspections and the ports have had training in the improved release process. The protocols and validation documents are available free of charge to ASTA members from the ASTA office. There is a fee for non-members.  Please note that the FDA will only validate facilities located in the United States.  For further information, contact the ASTA office at 202-367-1127.