Source: FDA, 10/30/13

ACTION: Notice. 10/30/13
SUMMARY: The Food and Drug  Administration (FDA or we) is  announcing the availability of a draft
risk profile entitled ''FDA Draft Risk  Profile: Pathogens and Filth in Spices’’  (draft risk profile). Our main objectives were to: Describe the nature and extent  of the public health risk posed by  consumption of spices in the United  States by identifying the most  commonly occurring microbial hazards  and filth in spice; describe and evaluate  current mitigation and control options  designed to reduce the public health
risk posed by consumption of  contaminated spices in the United  States; identify potential additional  mitigation or control options designed  to reduce the public health risk posed  by the consumption of contaminated  spices in the United States; and identify  data gaps and research needs. The draft
risk profile is intended to provide  information for FDA risk managers to  use in regulatory decision making  related to the safety of spices in the U.S.  food supply.

The information may also  be useful to stakeholders and interested  parties such as spice producers and
importers, spice and food  manufacturers, retail food  establishments, and consumers.

DATES: Submit either electronic or  written comments on the draft risk  profile by January 3, 2014.
ADDRESSES: Submit electronic comments to http:// www.regulations.gov. Submit written comments on the draft risk profile to  Division of Dockets Management (HFA– 305), Food and Drug Administration,  5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061, Rockville,  MD 20852.