EU Contaminant Limits for Spices
The EU maximum levels every spice shipment must meet: aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, PAH, ethylene oxide and Salmonella.
- Ochratoxin A limit
- 15 (20 for dried chillies)µg/kg
- Reg. (EU) 2023/915 — maximum levels for certain contaminants
EU maximum-level table
These are the maximum levels an Indian spice must meet to clear the EU. Aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and benzo[a]pyrene fall under Reg. (EU) 2023/915; ethylene oxide and Salmonella are enforced through the pesticide and microbiological regimes and the border-control rules.
| Contaminant | EU maximum level | Spices covered (examples) |
|---|---|---|
| Aflatoxin B1 | 5 µg/kg | Dried chillies, paprika, pepper, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric |
| Total aflatoxins (B1+B2+G1+G2) | 10 µg/kg | Same group as above |
| Ochratoxin A | 15 µg/kg (20 for dried chillies) | Capsicum spices, pepper, nutmeg, turmeric, ginger |
| Pyrrolizidine alkaloids | 400 µg/kg | Cumin, dried herbs |
| Benzo[a]pyrene (PAH) | 10 µg/kg | Dried spices |
| Ethylene oxide (ETO) | 0.1 mg/kg (default; banned pesticide) | All spices |
| Salmonella | Absent in 25 g | All spices |
How the limits bite in practice
- Aflatoxins and ochratoxin A are mould toxins; they are managed through drying, moisture control and storage, then verified by lab test.
- Ethylene oxide has been a banned pesticide in the EU since 1991. Its 0.1 mg/kg figure is a default limit, not an allowance. The compliant route is steam sterilisation followed by testing.
- Salmonella must be absent in 25 g. Indian black pepper sits at a 50% Salmonella border check and cumin at a 30% pesticide check under Reg. (EU) 2019/1793.
- Adulteration hazards sit alongside these limits: Sudan dyes in chilli (zero tolerance) and lead chromate in turmeric both trigger rejection and require dedicated testing.
Frequently asked
What are the main EU contaminant limits for spices?
Aflatoxin B1 5 µg/kg and total 10 µg/kg; ochratoxin A 15 µg/kg (20 for dried chillies); pyrrolizidine alkaloids 400 µg/kg; benzo[a]pyrene 10 µg/kg; ethylene oxide 0.1 mg/kg; Salmonella absent in 25 g.
Is ethylene oxide allowed on spices in the EU?
No. Ethylene oxide has been a banned pesticide in the EU since 1991; the 0.1 mg/kg figure is a default limit. Use steam sterilisation and test.
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- Pesticide MRLs per active substance
- Individual pesticide maximum residue levels vary by substance and spice and are not tabulated here; check the EU MRL database per active substance.
- Heavy-metal maximum levels
- Numeric lead and cadmium limits for spices are not in our verified set and are not stated as figures.
Reviewed 16 July 2026.
Sources
- Reg. (EU) 2023/915 — maximum levels for certain contaminants· Tier 1, retrieved 2026-07-16
- Reg. (EU) 2019/1793 — temporary increase of official controls· Tier 1, retrieved 2026-07-16