AHPA Updates Lead, Salmonella Recommendations

SILVER SPRING, Md.The board of trustees of the  American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) amended AHPA's Guidance on Microbiology and Mycotoxins to change its advice on sample sizes needed for salmonella testing and to lower the limit on lead recommended in supplements.  These actions came during the board's July 2012 meeting.  These actions came during the board's July 2012 meeting.

The amendment to AHPA's Guidance on Microbiology and Mycotoxins changes the stated sample size for testing for Salmonella spp. to 25 grams, although the actual sample size used may vary depending on the method employed.

AHPA chief science officer Steven Dentali, Ph.D., said the amendment makes the sample size for Salmonella spp. testing "more consistent with standard practice."

Also at the July meeting, the board amended the AHPA Guidance on Heavy Metals by lowering the maximum quantitative limit for lead in herbal supplements to 6 mcg/day. While not a requirement, this recommendation may be helpful when a company determines to establish a specification for the lead level in a manufactured supplement.

Certain limitations and conditions apply to this AHPA guidance, including that the quantitative limits suggested are applicable only to herbal supplements that are consumed in a total daily amount of 5 grams or less and that a product in compliance with this guidance may require a warning in order to comply with California Proposition 65's listing of these chemicals.

AHPA develops guidance policies to advance its mission to promote responsible commerce in herbal supplements. These policies address a variety of labeling and manufacturing issues and reflect the consensus of AHPA's members and its board of trustees. Unlike AHPA's trade recommendations, compliance with AHPA's guidance policies is not a condition of membership. AHPA encourages its members and non-member companies to adopt each of these policies in the interest of establishing consistent and informed trade practices. 

In June, AHPA conducted its fifth Tonnage Survey, quantifying annual harvests of selected North American botanical plants.