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European Spice Association

Welcome to the European Spice Association, ESA, a non-profit association representing the interests of its members in all matters pertaining to the processing, packaging, quality assurance and food safety and/or marketing of herbs, spices and spice products (e.g. seasonings).

The European Spice Association e.V. (ESA) is the umbrella organization representing the European spice industry. ESA brings together the expertise of a wide group of people to promote the use of pure, safe and wholesome herbs and spices that are true to name and provide the quality and safety that is expected by the consumer.

ESA member companies and national member associations are fully committed to ensure that herbs and spices intended for distribution are in compliance with the general principles and requirements of EU food law and safe for human consumption.

Objectives

illustration with green background symbolising advocacy and representation within European and international institutions.

Represent the interests of its members vis-à-vis the competent bodies and departments of the European Union, as well as international institutions and organisations.

Graphic with green background representing product promotion and protection within the spice sector.

Promote the interests of members in respect of the products concerned and protect the image of the products and the sector.

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Study subjects of common interest to the members in the scientific, legislative, technological and economic fields.

Generic image of herbs and spices related to pyrrolizidine alkaloid contamination.

Statement on Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Herbs and Spices

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) are natural toxins that occur in a wide variety of plants, angio-sperm families of the Boraginaceae (all genera), Asteraceae (tribes Senecioneae and Eupatorieae) and Fabaceae (genus Crotalaria). Over 6,000 plant species are expected to generate ...

Colourful various herbs and spices for cooking on dark background

ESA Code of Conduct for responsible sourcing

By this ESA Code of Conduct for responsible sourcing, the European Spice Association clarifies and strengthens its commitment to contribute to the implementation of international conventions in the supply chain, in particular with respect to the protection of Human Rights and regulatory compliance ...

Assortment of various oriental spices on the counter at the Asian bazaar in close-up

ESA Quality Minima Document

English version, 2018 (ESA QMD rev 5 amended by ESA TC March 2018)

The ESA Quality Minima Document describes the quality minima for dried herbs and spices, which should be demanded by buyers when these products are purchased for further processing within the EU

Aromatic Spice Symphony: A captivating still life of vibrant spices scattered across rustic

ESA Dehydration Factors

ESA recommends applying dehydration factors to dried spice products to harmonize pesticide residue assessments by multiplying the regulatory limit by the factor and comparing it with analytical results, with guidance provided for listed examples and similar unlisted products...

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Join the European Spice Association!

Benefit from our expertise around the use of pure, safe and wholesome herbs and spices and become a member of the ESA.

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What´s new?

The Spices Post is intended to inform about our sector and the current issues it is facing.