Regulatory Tools & Resources

shutterstock_139821340Companies doing business in the U.S. as part of the spice industry must comply with a wide array of regulations and it can be a daunting task to locate

information on all these.

ASTA has compiled the fundamental resources on statutory and regulatory information including definitions and information on where to locate particular regulatory information.

Spice Industry 101 – Regulatory Fundamentals

Ready to Eat FAQs
Ready to eat is a hot topic under FSMA, and in order to help inform members ASTA is sharing information and FAQs on ready to eat to help members understand FDA’s current thinking on RTE foods. The information is compiled from a variety of FDA sources and draft guidance and will be updated regularly.

FSMA Risk Assessment Considerations Guide
A key component of compliance with the FSMA Preventive Controls Rule is development of a Food Safety Plan. The critical first step in that is to identify and evaluate risks. This ASTA Guide will provide an overview the the risks that companies need to assess and includes sections on evaluating risks throughout the supply chain. The Guide includes a written roadmap and risk assessment flow chart to assist in the evaluation.

ASTA FSMA Decision Tree
The ASTA FSMA Decision Tree is designed to assist ASTA members in evaluating their obligations under the five foundational FSMA rules that are likely apply to ASTA member operations: Preventive Controls in Human Food, the Produce Safety Rule, the Sanitary Food Transportation Rule, the Foreign Supplier Verification Program and the Intentional Adulteration rule. The decision tree guides users through a series of questions about their operations to help determine which FSMA rules could apply. The decision tree also provides an overview each rule’s requirements, depending on the nature of the ASTA member’s operations.

Definition of Spice
FDA legally defines spice in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations for specific food labeling requirements.  The term “Spice” is defined under 21 CFR Sec. 101.22(2)(2). For labeling purposes it is paramount to consult this resource.

ASTA Spice List
ASTA has an official spice list to serve as a resource in determining whether something is in fact a spice.  The common or usual names, the part of the plant and the botanical name of the plant source are included. The list also includes dehydrated vegetables used as spices and spices used as color additives.

Regulatory Authorities
In the United States, a myriad of regulatory authorities have jurisdiction over spices.  Here we have provided links to the various federal agencies having oversight on spice related issues, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and others.  Congressional committees, legislative resources and coalitions of interest to the spice industry are able included.

The Food and Drug Administration Online Training Course
This online training course “Food Defense Awareness for the Intentional Adulteration Rule” was developed in partnership with the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance (FSPCA), Intentional Adulteration Subcommittee (IA Subcommittee).