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

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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.

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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.

Colourful various herbs and spices for cooking on dark background

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 ...

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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.