Program

Check out ASTA’s robust educational program that promises an informative experience for spice industry professionals. This is a developing agenda and is subject to change.  

Meeting Venue

Hogan Lovells 
555 13th Street NW, Washington DC, 20004 
(Proof of identity is required when entering the building) 

Tuesday – October 17

A complimentary shuttle from the Viceroy Hotel to Hogan Lovells will be offered in the morning. An exact shuttle schedule will be announced to attendees before the event.

ASTA Sustainability Working Group Meeting | 8:00 – 9:00 am (Invitation Only) 
This is a closed meeting for Sustainability Working Group members and invited guests. Individuals from ASTA member companies interested in participating should contact [email protected].
  

ASTA Science and Regulatory Committee Meeting | 9:00 am–11:00 am (Invitation Only) 
This is a closed meeting for Science and Regulatory Committee members and invited guests. Individuals from ASTA member companies interested in participating should contact [email protected].  

ASTA Spice Integrity Council Meeting | 11:00 am–12:00 pm (Invitation Only) 
This is a closed meeting for Spice Integrity Council members and invited guests. Individuals from ASTA member companies interested in participating should contact [email protected].  

Registration | 11:00 am–12:30 pm

Lunch | 12:0012:30 pm

Welcome and Introduction | 12:3012:35 pm  

Guest Remarks: New York State Senator Jessica Ramos | 12:3512:45 pm  
Hear from State Senator Jessica Ramos, sponsor of the ASTA-supported Senate bill S7036, which aligns maximum levels for lead in spices sold in New York with existing restrictions imposed by the European Union.  

ASTA Regulatory and Advocacy Update | 12:452:30 pm
This engaging and interactive session will begin with an overview of the interplay between elected officials and regulatory agencies on the state and federal levels. Next, ASTA leadership and key advisors will demonstrate how the spice industry can best represent its interests to government agencies and share the latest scoop on ASTA’s advocacy initiatives, including updates on comments and petitions to federal and state governments and how ASTA is working with global partners to promote compliance.  Finally, attendees will break out to practice their new advocacy skills by discussing relevant case studies and examples.

Break | 2:303:00 pm 

Updates on EPA’s Proposed ETO Actions and Discussion on the Safety of Spices | 3:004:15 pm
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently proposed phasing out ethylene oxide (EtO) use on spices and subsequently canceling the tolerances for spices, resulting in a potential future ban of imported spices with EtO residues in the U.S. EPA will share an update on their actions and panelists from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), non-governmental and academic institutions will discuss EPA’s proposals and the potential impact on the safety of spices. 

Presented by: 

Moderated by Lois Rossi, formerly with EPA 

Break Out Discussion: Exploring Key Challenges for Microbial Treatment of Spices | 4:155:00 pm
The spice industry faces various formidable food safety challenges related to controlling Salmonella and other pathogens. Recent developments have highlighted the need for spice companies to reassess microbial treatment methods. During this interactive discussion, attendees will break out into facilitated group discussions to delve into the industry’s critical microbial treatment issues and how to collaborate as a sector to protect food safety and the future of the industry. 

Facilitated by:  

Exclusive Sponsor

Welcome Reception | 5:007:00 pm  
Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and network with spice industry colleagues while taking in the skyline of the nation’s capital and the National Mall.

   

Wednesday – October 18

A complimentary shuttle from the Viceroy Hotel to Hogan Lovells will be offered in the morning. An exact shuttle schedule will be announced to attendees before the event.

ASTA Analytical Methods Subcommittee Meeting | 8:00 am8:45 am (Invitation Only)  
This is a closed meeting for Analytical Methods Subcommittee members and invited guests. Individuals from ASTA member companies interested in participating should contact [email protected]

Breakfast | 8:00 am9:00 am

Keynote: Anticipating the Future of Chemical Contaminant Regulations | 9:009:50 am  
Join a discussion with Frank Yiannas, FDA’s former Deputy Commissioner of Food Policy & Response, on what spice companies can expect from future FDA policies on chemical contaminants.

Presented by Frank Yiannas, Smarter FY Solutions 

Break | 9:5010:20 am 

Panel & Discussion: Emerging Chemical Contaminants | 10:2011:45 am   
New and evolving challenges related to chemical contaminants continue to emerge in the spice industry. Panelists will discuss issues related to a variety of chemical contaminants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), mycotoxins, mineral oil-saturated hydrocarbons, and aromatic hydrocarbons (MOSH/MOAH), opiate alkaloids, and pesticides, and how the spice industry can work to address them.

Presented by: 

Moderated by Victoria Siegel, Eurofins 

Hot Topics in U.S. Food Regulation | 11:4512:00 pm  
Please join ASTA’s General Counsel Maile Gradison for an update on food safety and regulatory hot topics, including the latest developments at FDA, on the state level, and with enforcement.

Presented by Maile Gradison, Hogan Lovells 

Lunch | 12:00-12:45 pm

Panel: Heavy Metal Mitigation Strategies | 12:452:15 pm    
Panelists will discuss ongoing efforts to prevent the contamination of spices with lead, including problems related to the potential for lead-based dyes to be added to spices in the local markets of certain origin countries, research on consumer exposure to lead from spices in the U.S., and potential environmental mitigation strategies to reduce heavy metal levels in spices.

Presented by: 

Moderated by Laura Shumow, ASTA

Break | 2:152:45 pm

Unpacking Recent California Prop 65 Developments Impacting Spice Companies | 2:453:05 pm   
Proposition 65 requires businesses to warn people in California about significant exposure to certain chemicals. Get an overview of how Proposition 65 works and how recent proposals made by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) may impact the spice industry.

Presented by: Dave Edwards, OEHHA

Let’s Talk FDA Import Operations | 3:053:45pm  
From may proceeds to refusals and everything in between. Please join Ted Poplawski and former Director of FDA’s Division of Import Operations and Policy, Captain Domenic Veneziano, as they discuss the current state of FDA’s import program and answer your questions on everyday issues that are facing the spice industry today. 

Presented by: 

Expanding Opportunities for Spices in U.S. Nutrition Policy | 3:454:15 PM  
Today’s – and tomorrow’s — nutrition policy environment presents new and evolving ways to demonstrate how spices and herbs support health and well-being. Learn more about how ASTA can engage with regulatory authorities and other stakeholders to leverage these opportunities and drive positive outcomes.    

Presented by Sarah Levy, Global Food IQ

Wrap Up & Closing | 4:154:30pm

Happy Hour at Hogan Lovells | 4:305:30pm

Tapas Dinner at Boqueria | 6:008:00pm
777 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001
Submit your RSVP here.

Thursday – October 19

These committee meetings will be held at ASTA’s Offices at 1101 17th St NW, Suite 700. 

ASTA Organic Task Force Meeting | 8:30 am9:30 am (Invitation Only)
This is a closed meeting for Organic Task Force members and invited guests. Individuals from ASTA member companies interested in participating should contact [email protected].  

ASTA Annual Program Committee Meeting | 9:30 am11:00 am (Invitation Only)
This is a closed meeting for Annual Program Committee members and invited guests. Individuals from ASTA member companies interested in participating should contact [email protected].


ASTA 2023 Regulatory Workshop Sponsors