Nutmeg and Mace Grades
The EU aflatoxin and OTA limits that govern nutmeg, plus how nutmeg and mace are graded, with unverified count-per-pound bands kept out.
Nutmeg contaminant-limit table
Nutmeg is one of the six spices named under the EU aflatoxin and ochratoxin A limits, so those figures are the firm, sourceable numbers a nutmeg contract turns on. Mace, the aril around the nutmeg, is graded mainly on colour.
| Parameter | EU maximum | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Aflatoxin B1 | 5 µg/kg | Nutmeg |
| Total aflatoxins | 10 µg/kg | Nutmeg |
| Ochratoxin A | 15 µg/kg | Nutmeg |
| Ethylene oxide | 0.1 mg/kg (banned pesticide) | Nutmeg and mace |
| Salmonella | Absent in 25 g | Nutmeg and mace |
How nutmeg and mace are graded
- Nutmeg is graded on soundness and size: sound whole nutmeg versus shrivelled, broken or defective, then sorted by count per unit weight, with larger, denser nuts pricing higher.
- Mace is graded largely on colour, running from pale to deep red, with brighter, more uniform blades preferred.
- Both are aflatoxin-sensitive, so drying and storage discipline is what keeps them inside the 5 and 10 µg/kg limits.
Buyer note
Specify soundness, size and defect tolerance for nutmeg and colour grade for mace on the contract, and require an aflatoxin certificate of analysis on the delivered lot. Count-per-pound size grades vary by seller, so put the exact size you need in writing.
Frequently asked
How is nutmeg graded?
On soundness (sound vs shrivelled, broken or defective) and size by count per unit weight, with larger denser nuts pricing higher. Nutmeg also falls under EU aflatoxin limits of 5 and 10 µg/kg.
How is mace graded?
Mainly on colour, from pale to deep red, with brighter and more uniform blades preferred.
Sourcing this? Tell us the spice, grade and destination and we return a documented offer — vetted supply, QC oversight, and the test dossier your market needs.
Start a sourcing enquiry →What this page does not tell you
- Count-per-pound size bands
- Numeric nutmeg size grades (e.g. 80s, 110s per pound) vary by seller and are not in our verified set, so they are not printed.
- Volatile oil content
- Nutmeg and mace volatile-oil percentages are not in our verified set and are not stated.
Reviewed 16 July 2026.
Sources
- Reg. (EU) 2023/915 — maximum levels for certain contaminants· Tier 1, retrieved 2026-07-16
- CBI — Entering the European market for spices and herbs· Tier 2, retrieved 2026-07-16
- Spices Board Act, 1986 — Schedule of spices· Tier 1, retrieved 2026-07-16