National Seasoning Manufacturers Association, Inc. (NSMA) 2023-2024
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
President: Christopher Stevenson - McCormick & Co. Inc.
Vice President: Susan Bergman - Griffith Foods Inc.
Treasurer: Paul Hargarten - Hawkins Inc.
Secretary: Kerri Goad Berrios - Kalustyan
Past President: Tim Sonntag - Wixon
DIRECTORS
Associate Member Directors
Danelle Boehme - Solina
Theresa Dubin - R. L. Schreiber Inc.
Wendy Epstein - First Spice Mixing
Denise Johnson – Newlyweds Foods.
Alina Lastra - Badia Spices Inc.
Liz Morris - Elite Spice, Inc.
Susan Perez – Pacific Spice Co.
Steve Markus - Sterigenics
Aret Meyer – Sensient Natural Ingredients
Executive Director
Marketing & Member Services
Robert C. Post, Ph.D., MEd., MSc.
Geraldina A. Cristantiello
MISSION & VISION
The National Seasoning Manufacturers Association, Inc. (NSMA), is the trade association representing the blended seasoning industry. Founded in 1973, NSMA members manufacture and market about 98 percent oftheseasonings consumed in theUnitedStates. Membership is available to all companies actively engaged in seasoning manufacturing and companies that support the industry with ingredients, packaging, food safety applications, testing, and other services.
As an educational and policy-informing organization, the purposes of the Association are to:
Anticipate, interpret and addressthetechnical andregulatoryneeds oftheseasoning industry;
Advocate on behalf of the members to shape, guide, and inform regulatory actions and public food policy dialogues toward improved policies;
Maintain singular focus on solutions to challenges the blended seasoning industry faces;
Encourage the exchange of technical and regulatory expertise among industry peers; and
Promote safety, quality and wholesomeness of seasonings and their components.
Our role is to represent the seasoning manufacturer sector’s interests with the food regulatory agencies, providing apractical andscience-based voicefor informingregulatoryofficials onissues affecting the industry, as well as keeping members up to date on all the priority issues. Through NSMA representation, face-to-face meetings and ongoing interactions with HHS/FDA and USDA/FSIS and AMS officials, and legislative officials, builds trust and credibility to inform and help shape the rules and policies that govern the industry.
We are dedicated to promoting the goal of education for the seasoning industry and the affiliated government liaisons, about laws, regulations, policies, and guidances pertaining to them. We endorse quality and safety standards and endorse compliance with acceptable handling and distribution approaches within the international spice, blended seasonings, and seasoningcontaining products industries.
NSMA works to promotethe continual improvement inqualityand wholesomeness ofincoming spices and other functional ingredients, and to address issues ofimported groundspices andthequality, safety, wholesomeness,andaccuratelabelingofseasoningblends. Theseblendsincludespicesasacomponent in addition to many other functional ingredients in products that are added to many product categories forsensory, functional, foodsafety, andhealthbenefits
The NSMA Executive Director strives to keep our Officers, Board of Directors, and most importantly, all members, apprised of emerging and real-time food regulatory and policy matters that challenge member companies; cause sector confusion about compliance, supply chain, procurement, and operations; andrequireinformingtoadvancebetterorimprovedpoliciesthroughconvenings/meetings / engagement withpolicymakers,scientists,andothertradegroups. Through insights and intel,thegoal isformemberstohavetheinformationtheircompanyneedstomeetregulatory,customer,andconsumer requirements and demands inthemarketplace.
MISSION & VISION
TheNSMA focal foodpolicyand scientificissues (notnecessarilyinpriorityorder) are:
Food and Ingredient Labeling
Criteria for Ingredient/Ingredient Technology Approval/Acceptance by Federal Agencies
Food Ingredient and Additive Safety Assessments by FDA
Contaminants, Such as Heavy Metals and PFAS
GMO/Bioengineered Ingredients – Safety, National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard, and Other Aspects of BE Product and Ingredient Labeling
Allergens – Updated Federal and International Policies and Trade Standards and Guidelines (e.g., Codex), New and Emerging Allergens (Including Sesame)
Bioterrorism and Biodefense Plans
Guiding Principles for Modernizing Food Standards of Identity – HHS/FDA and USDA/FSIS
Codex Alimentarius Standards and Guidelines
The Legislative and Regulatory Policy Landscapes and Liaisons for Informing Policies
FoodSafetyModernizationActof2011,e.g.,ProcessValidationGuidanceforProcessCategories, andPreventiveControls
EmergingIssuesinRisksPosedbyContaminants,IncludingHeavyMetals,Pesticides,Pathogens, andOtherPotentialEnvironmentalForeignMatter;andRelatedQuality,SafetySpecificationsand NecessaryFoodTestingMethodsandCapabilitiestoSupportSafeProductsintheMarket
Best Practices for Food Manufacturers During a Pandemic
Supply Chain Management: Traceability, Data-Sharing Platforms/ERP
A Message from the President
Christopher Stevenson – McCormick & Co. Inc.
It has been my sincere privilege to preside as President of the National Seasoning Manufacturers Association during this 51st year of the organization. Our longevity is a testament to the value members place in our association since our inception in 1973. I am certain that the membership would agree this past year has seen a swirl of food and health policy issues challenges from the supply chain, adjusting to traceability and other food safety requirements, federal and state considerationsofheavymetals and contaminants requirements,foodingredientsunderscrutiny, and aslewofpotential foodlabelingrules on thehorizon. Withbusiness settlingintoanewnormal postpandemic, there’s literally a flurry of catch-up policy and regulatory actions from the federal agencies, and a renewed customer and consumer marketplace eager for the dependabilityof familiar productsandenticingnewproducts. Therepercussionsofsupplychainmanagementmattersinother food sectors prompted Congress and FDA to make changes leading to a soon-to-be effective reorganization of FDA, which has taken the attention of manufacturers, customers, and policy makers. As I reflect on the past year as President of the National Seasoning Manufacturers Association, I am pleased with the advancements our Association has made to keep ahead of the curve on such issues, with vigilant monitoring of emerging policies and policy-maker actions, and for effective engagement in policy developments for members.
This past year, like the last, active recruiting as part of our management helped us to retain and grow membership. Comparedtopre-pandemicnumbers, it has enabledus to growand sustain 56 member companies. That shows there’s a value in serving as a voice and conduit for policy issues, which helps our members’ businesses meet the challenges of supply and demand that our sector faced in the last years
We continue to be a registered non-profit educational organization and mindful of working within the budget from membership dues. The small extra cost for our membership in the Food and Beverage Issue Alliance (FBIA, feedingus.org) at the Steering Committee level, has resulted in great value for our members, enabling our Association to be active in a platform for coalition building among directors of other food trade groups on hot policy issues and public comments, adding to opportunities in addition to his regular interactions with senior policy officials. The regular and ongoing interactions of our Executive Director with policy officials also produces new information sources and resources, which enable us to be responsive with immediate and regular communications on emerging and timely policy with updates and breaking news. We continue to look for ways to improve the value of the Association for our membership.
Althoughmindfulofthewaysofworkingthesepastcoupleofyears,westillrespectahybridapproach to meeting and networking, but we are happy that we resumed in-person meetings this year. The GovernmentLiaisonCommitteeMeetingwasheldin-person,inCollegePark,Maryland,inMay2024.
A Message From the President – (cont
Christopher Stevenson
It was well attended by members who were presented with a packed agenda of topics covered by top FDA and USDA officials giving valuable insights. We’ve supported members with the opportunity of networking and hearing about NSMA activities at the NSMA Annual Meeting in Chicago, and through opportunities to seek out advice and insights among members through the members-only Technical Forum. The Association received twice as many inquiries on policy positions and requests for advice on policies and regulatory requirements, than the previous year, showing that we continue to be connected effectively to member companies and their needs through our Technical Forum and email.
We understand the need to adapt our Association to a changing policy and member services landscape usinglessons we’ve learned through the year. Consideringwhat we have accomplished, I am certain we will continue to change, grow and remain inclusive as we move into the next year.
Thank you to all the member companies for your continued support and involvement with the National Seasoning Manufacturers Association. I am certain that your support will continue to sustain NSMA for many years to come.
Christopher Stevenson, McCormick & Co. Inc.
NSMA President 2023-2024
A Message from the Executive Director
Robert C. Post, Ph.D.
This Annual Report marks another successful year for NSMA, now in its 51st year of providing support and leadership in the food policy arena for the seasonings industry! It has been a year of building great relationships with an impressive membership and working with a dedicated and insightful President and Board of Directors to manage issues and gather Association input on important foodpolicymattersaffectingmembers. Italso markedanother yearofmonitoringpolicy issues and regulatory actions, providing timely updates and advice, and representing the Association at national and international conferences, events, convenings, and meetings. Now, in the post-pandemic era, in-person events and the continuation of hybrid gatherings, made it even more convenient than in the past to connect with policy makers, key opinion leaders, trade groups, and research organizations.
To keep members current, more time was devoted to content-filled “NSMA News You Can Use” policy updates through our online NSMA Technical Forum. These updates covered regulatory, policy, science/research,safety, andmarket news, withtopics suchas supplychain issues; recalls for undeclaredallergens; growingpolicyinterestincontaminantslikeheavymetals;theevolvingFSMA rules on validation of treatment processes and guidance on preventive controls and inspections; guidance on RTE and hazard controls; FAQs on the not-so-new Nutrition Facts label; FDA’s Era of Smarter Food Safety and e-commerce; EPA and foreign agency actions on ethylene oxide; FDA’s nutrition agenda,includingdefining“healthy” and modernizingfoodstandards;USDA’s andFDA’s unified regulatory agenda; and links to webinars, conferences, and public meetings. This year, the Update was expanded to cover policy actions at the Office of Management and Budget and Congressional legislation from bills introduced to promulgated laws; and updates and links to major scientific and international health organization reports and consumer-related studies.
Thanks to a regular exchange with members, the Association continues to receive feedback that the “News You Can Use” update is of value and a necessity for members of a modern trade association The challenge to keep current with regulatory agency policy priorities and their impacts on seasoning manufacturers increased in the past year. While food safety and food labeling remain top priorities, supply chain issues leading to FDA’s imminent restructured organization have taken center stage as members have had to simultaneously fit or retrofit new ways of working into their facilities and operations to meet public health and regulatory guidelines and new market and customer demands. Keeping membership informed is a priority, so updated guidance and resources from industry alliances and research organizations helped to better inform members
These updates contain valuable hyperlinks to policy documents and reports and are filed as resources readily available to all members on the Members-Only Technical Forum.
A Message From the Executive Director – (cont’d.)
Robert C. Post, Ph.D.
Along with the role to update and keep members apprised, on behalf of NSMA, I also attended and participated at food, health, and agriculture conferences and meetings. These events included participating for NSMA on Codex Alimentarius committees on nutrition and food labeling, working with the U.S. Codex Office to advise on positions related to trade standards. They also include serving as an invited participant and advisor at White House stakeholder meetings and at Congressional hearings on food, nutrition, and agriculture matters; as an attendee at FDA’s public meetings on the culture of food safety and the era of smarter food safety; and at international meetings held by WHO on improving food systems and access to healthy food. These offered opportunities to highlight NSMA’s mission and issues of concern. More importantly, in these roles, I’ve been able to use these events to network and engage with advocates on NSMA issues.
This year, our members benefited from NSMA’s membership in the Food and Beverage Issue Alliance (FBIA) (www.feedingus.org). The FBIA is an organization comprised of directors of food andbeveragetradeassociationswhoworktogethertoformconsensusviews andcollectiveresources to inform federal food regulatoryofficials and policymaking on issues of urgency and importance to growers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. FBIA has emerged as a key industry group with which FDA, USDA, and other food and health regulatory agencies are conferring to gain insights about practical policies that balance the needs of consumer protection, assuring public health, and enabling innovation and market opportunities for all segments of the food production and delivery chain. Engagement in FBIA for NSMA has enabled a collective voice to inform FDA and USDA with inputs on supply chain issues; analytical methods for contaminants in considering limits; comments on the charge of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee; advice on ERP and available technology for traceability, labeling and packaging trends in e-commerce; advice on policies for dietary guidelines/healthy/”natural”; and advice on import safety.
Working with the President and Board of Directors on new ways to support members is on the top of the list of goals for the year ahead, along with building our webinar and educational platforms and capabilities; and creating more members-only resources for the Technical Forum on our website. Soon to be added to the NSMA Members-Only resources will be a compilation of Qs and As on topics for which members have sought NSMA guidance.
I look forward to working with our members in the year ahead to support them with current policy news and help them advance regulations and policies that balance their needs and those of the customers and consumers they serve.
Secretary’ s Report
Kerri Goad Berrios, Kalustyan
Since our last Annual Meeting in July 2023, the Board of Directors met multiple times over Zoom and in person. The following summarizes the purpose of and decisions made at those meetings.
The Board met via Zoom on December 18, 2023. Items discussed included exploring the possibility of implementing a Membership Management System that integrates a website, dues management and financial software such as Quicken or Quickbooks. Such a system would streamline report generation and provide valuable historical data.
An update and summary was received from the 50th Anniversary Celebration. Many expressed interest in making this an annual networking event. Completed tasks for the anniversary included producing an Annual Report and compiling The History of NSMA. Additionally, NSMA created and distributed commemorative items which included a tote bag, apron, potholder and a journal.
Rob also provided a summary of the positions Food and Beverage Issue Alliance is taking that he was working on; the Board provided some additional pertinent issues to complete the list. The discussion on returning to an in-person Government Liaison Committee Meeting was positively received, and the decision was made to resume in-person meetings. The Board also agreed to continue aligning with the IFT FIRST for its annual meeting. To kick start NSMA’s educational program, it was suggested that a survey be sent to the membership asking for webinar topics.
The Board also met in person on May22, 2024 in College Park, Maryland, in conjunction with the Government Liaison Committee Meeting with USDA & FDA Officials.
The main purpose at this meeting was to prepare for the GLC meeting that would be held the next day, May 23, 2024. Plans for the annual meeting were discussed and the Board agreed to hold the 2024 Annual Meeting in conjunction with IFT FIRST Meeting & Expo on July 16, 2024 in Chicago, IL. Gerri would work on the location and logistics.
Other issues addressed include:
Review of Treasurer’s Report
Nominations Committee
NSMA’s Website and Email Platform
On May 22, the Annual Government Liaison Committee meeting with FDA and USDA was held in person and virtual and it turned out to be a successful meeting.
Secretary’s Report– (cont’d.)
Kerri Goad Berrios
As a Steering Committee Level member of the Food and Beverage Issue Alliance (FBIA, feedingus.org), NSMA joined other food and ag sector trade groups as a signatory on letters to FDA, USDA, and members of Congress on the following topics. These letters are prepared to reflect the consensus of views of trade groups on issues and actions with theintent to inform policy makers on policy matters of importance to organization members.
FDA’s Priorities for Chemical Safety Reviews and Resources in the Pending FDA Reorganization
Clarity on Guidances and Requirements Under FDA’s Preventive Controls for Human Food Rule
Informing FDA and USDA of Continuing Supply Chain Issues
Perspectives on the Reagan-Udall Report Recommendations on Restructuring FDA
Research Questions and Protocols for the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee
FDA’s Front-of-Pack Labeling Proposed Rule and Access to FDA’s Consumer Research
Welcoming the New Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, Jim Jones
Support for Official Nominations to Federal Agency Leadership Positions
The Appropriations Process and the Farm Bill Budget for FDA and USDA
Supporting Allocations of Budget to Sustain the U.S. Codex Office Operations
NSMA Treasurer’s Report, July 2024
Reflecting Calendar/NSMA
Fiscal Year 2023
Paul Hargarten, Hawkins, Inc. (Treasurer) & Robert C. Post, Ph.D., Executive Director (Bookkeeper)
Nowin its 51st year,NSMAhas progressivelygrownas an organizationsinceits inceptionin 1973, with 56 active member companies today and more than 130 individuals as contacts in the NSMA Technical Forum. Company representation is about 98 percent of the seasoning blenders in the U.S., with a combined marketplace footprint around the world and in all forms of commerce –food service, retail, B2B and e-commerce (D2C, etc.). Income has been increasing as membership has grown. Even so, the dues NSMA charges ($1475/year for Regular voting members and $975/year for Associate members) are nominal in contrast to the value of access to timely and regular insights on immediate and emerging food policy and trade issues; a library of resources; and the ability to network and glean advice from others in the business. Other trade groups charge 10 times what NSMA charges for dues with similar or less services, or only for policy issue monitoring. Thus, value for dues charged, NSMA is a hands-down value and success.
As aregistered non-profit educational (501(c)(3))organization,NSMAis limitedinways it canachieve income.Thus,membershipduesareandhavealwaysbeenaprimarysourceofincome. In2023,NSMA increased its membership slightly – up five members with the loss of one which resulted in a slightly largerexpectedincomefromdues,comparedto2022. In2023,NSMAmemberduesincomewasabout $11,100 more than the previous year. In addition, with the inaugural induction of sponsorships in 2023 at the NSMA Annual meeting, additional income was generated, some of which off-set the costs of the annualmeeting.
From a finance accounting standpoint, NSMA bookkeeping is not at all comprehensive. It is similar to a checkbook register involving a cash-basis accountingmethod. As a non-profit, NSMA has no investments or losses to report, nor does it rent space, pay for equipment, or need to project budget needs to maintain contingency funds for facility or equipment maintenance or services. NSMA receives member dues income, which are added to sponsorship income, and recorded as “income.” It has administrative expenses for meetings and operating expenses for management, communications, and reporting, which are simply deducted from the NSMA checking account register and recorded as “expenses.”
Regarding expenses in 2023, from January 01 to December 31, 2023, the majority of funds expended were for costs associated with the in-person NSMA 50th Anniversary celebration event during the NSMA Annual Meeting in Chicago, in July 2023, in addition to the cost for holding the Annual meeting with the Annual Board meeting In 2021-2023, the NSMA Annual Government Liaison Committee meeting was virtual and, thus, the organization did not expend funds for that meeting.
NSMA Treasurer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2023 – (cont’d.)
Paul Hargarten, Hawkins, Inc. (Treasurer) & Robert C. Post, Ph.D., Executive Director (Bookkeeper)
Expenses for the 50th Anniversary event, Annual meeting, and Board meeting in July 2023, were for meeting venue rooms and amenities, audiovisual, food, printing/signage, and swag, which totaled $23,169.35.
In addition, travel and registrations for NSMA management staff to attend the Annual meeting and other meetings totaled $ 5,563.49. The next sizable expense was for fees paid to management of NSMA by the Executive Director with support from the Marketing and Member Services Manager. Finally, NSMA pays $3,500 dues for membership in the Food and beverage Issue Alliance. Altogether, expenses totaled $ 71, 522.46.
In 2023, total expenses were slightly below income. Still, the organization maintained a healthy bank balance that is about equal to its income without having to resort to using any of its savings for any purposes.
Looking to 2024, the financial picture for NSMA looks satisfactory. Member dues income should be inexcessofexpenses.Investmentsinenhancingwebsiteandotheradministrativefunctions,shouldthe Board of Directors agree to them in 2024, will be covered byincome.
The Treasurer’s Report of NSMA finances for FY 2023 is shown on the next page.
NSMA Treasurer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2023 – (cont’d.)
Paul Hargarten, Hawkins, Inc. (Treasurer) & Robert C. Post, Ph.D., Executive Director (Bookkeeper)
National Seasoning Manufacturers Association, Inc. Treasurer’s Report for Board of Directors FY 2023: January 01, 2023 - December 31, 2023
January 01 – December 31, 2023 -- Income and Expenses
Bank Account Balance, January 01, 2023 $ 71,774.76*
Income – Member Dues, January 01 – December 18, 2023 $ 68,135.52**
Income – Sponsorships for 50th Anniversary Event $ 8,000.00
Expenses – From January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Includes:
Fees for management services from FoodTrition Solutions, LLC and GC Business Services, LLC
Annual business reporting, website/domains/email services, dues collection services
Travel and conference registration for Executive Director and Mktg/Member Services Manager
NSMA annual meeting, BOD meeting, and 50th Anniversary event to-date (venues, food, photographer, swag, printing, logos/artwork, annual report)
2024 Member dues for FBIA $ 71,522.46 Bank Balance as of December 31, 2023 $ 79,365.43***
* Some checks issued for expenses in late 2022 were not processed for payment until mid-January 2023 or February 2023.
** Includes dues from all members sent invoices. Corbion, Comericalizadora Santo Tomas, and Quantem are no longer members. Picked up 5 new members: 3 Associate (TopChance Foods Inc, Deibel Laboratories, Pax Spices and Labs) and 2 Regular (iSpice Foods, Savor Seasonings).
*** As of December 31, 2023, some checks that were issued were not yet cashed. However, the total bank balance reflects all the checks that were written and sent, expecting they will be cashed in early January 2024.
Respectively Submitted to the Treasurer, Paul Hargarten, Hawkins
Robert C. Post, Executive Director, NSMA
Government Liaison Committee (GLC) Meeting Report
Robert C. Post, Ph.D., Executive Director and Kerri Goad Berrios, Secretary
NSMA members did not miss out on the Annual Government Liaison Committee (GLC) Meeting with FDA officials in 2024. In fact, in true post-pandemic fashion, we were able resume an inperson format for this Annual event. We’ve always enjoyed the one-on-one and face-to-face interactions with federal officials at agencies and on the Hill, which in-person meetings afford. However, we were able to offer a virtual connection this year for those who just could not travel.
Working collegially with our policy maker colleagues, we formed a robust agenda with outstanding officials at FDA and USDA covering the topics we identified as priorities for members. We met on May 22-23, 2024. Convenient for our Federal officials, we convened this year’s meeting at the College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, in Hyattsville, Maryland, in close proximity to the FDA offices and convenient for USDA as well. The Official agenda for this meeting is below. It reflects the hot topics and challenging policy issues of importance to the NSMA membership on which we asked federal officials for updates.
Government Liaison Meeting Attendees - Washington, DC | February 24-25, 2020
Government
Government Liaison Committee Meeting Report
The Zoom recording for this meeting, which includes slides, can be found on the Members-Only section of the NSMA website.
On May 22, attendees enjoyed a networking opportunity followed by a group dinner, which set the stage for the next day’s packed agenda. On the top of the agenda, Dr. Conrad Choiniere, Director, Office of Analytics and Outreach, CFSAN, FDA, spoke for Mr. Jim Jones, the new Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods. He highlighted the priorities for the Office of Human Foods, giving insights on the restructuring that will be effective in October. He also provided key insights on the priorities in chemical food safety, food additives under review and contaminants; theuseofnewtechnologiestoenhancetheFDAfoodsafetyprograms;andthebalanceofresources to advance nutrition and food labeling policies. It was stressed that FDA is committed to federal and industrysectors collaborating on solutions to challenges posed by contaminants, supplychain, and food safety and traceability. (Note: the Deputy Commissioner reached out to NSMA and agreed, after this meeting, to speak at the Annual IFT meeting at which NSMA members will be present and wanted NSMA to promote attending his keynote there.)
Next, Dr. Choiniere spoke about the Closer to Zero initiative. He described the concerns that led FDA to undertake the initiative starting in 2017. The work is focused on reducing relevant toxicity and exposure of infants and children to arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. There are several prongs to the program; one is to analyze environmental source of contamination; work being conducted with EPA. In April 2021, FDA published an action plan that includes reference levels for lead in infant blood, with the work continuing to develop reference levels and draft action levels for the other toxic elements. The focus is on risk to the most vulnerable population, infants. Dr, Chioniere described the data sets FDA is using for determining exposure through different food categories and key sources of exposure for infants. Thus far, action levels for lead (Pb) juices are 10 ppm for apple, and 20 ppm for other juices. He explained that the initiative must tie closely to the DietaryGuidelines for Americans (DGA) recommendations for children, although the infant age segment is a target for future action. The goal is to mitigate likely impacts of exposure in food groups that are promoted in healthy eating patterns. They can do this through analysis conducted in the FDA Total Diet Study. Their work will focus on determining reference levels of arsenic, cadmium, and mercury, in the diet within this year; work will include determining dose responses. He cited the report that FDA conducted in 2022 on sources of Pb, Cd, and Hg in the food supply, including baby foods. Work forward includes examining foods commonly consumed by young children and ways to mitigate and reduce exposure, citing that establishing action levels is very difficult without disrupting the supply chain with the unintended effect of people avoiding food groups that should be consumed. He highlighted the ongoing recalls on applesauce products with lead in the cinnamon. He noted that it is difficult to get exposure data on certain ingredients like spices and seasonings, and the proxy may be the foods in which they are used, which has limitations. In response to members’ questions, Dr. Choiniere recognized that states like New York have stepped into the limit-setting space, which FDA is monitoring closely. He also noted that working with the food sector is essential – citing work with the produce and seafood industry on data gathering – and harmonizing with global trade standards in Codex and in Canada and Europe is essential. He noted, like many issues these days, the heightened concern for creating supply chain problems presses for sound science, practical action levels, and seamless trade.
Government Liaison Committee Meeting Report -
Dr.PaulSouthspokeabouttheFDAworkto gatherdataonenvironmentalcontaminants,including PFAS and heavy metals, and the efforts to collect data on sources of exposure, particularly babies and youngchildren. Hecitedthecollaborativeeffortswithtrade groupsintheseafoodandproduce sectors (leafy green) in pilots to gather anonymized data that FDA and industry can use. He described the collaborations to research changes to agricultural practices for reducing heavymetal uptake, citing that FDA is aware of the limits of changes due to practicalities from technological and economicperspectives. Also reportedwas the collaborativeeffortsheis leadingin discussions on chemical contaminants within Codex. Dr. South concluded his presentation for us with an update on ETO and EPA’s proposal to limit its use based on concerns of its presence in air, acknowledging that FDA will have to consider how it will affect the spice trade and supply chain. He also addressed the issues around testing for residues of ETO/ECE and the conflicts with limits and methods of analysis set by other countries like Taiwan. Katie Vierk, Director, Division of PublicHealth Informatics & Analytics, CFSAN, FDA,spoke on the FSMA TraceabilityRule from the perspective of aspects that challenge seasoning manufacturers. She focused on processing exemptions and receiving records. Her presentation gave an overview of the Food Traceability List and the foods covered by the rule, noting certain foods, like dried herbs are not covered. Dr. Vierk explained the basis for processing exemptions, e.g., foods subjected to a kill step are not covered bythe rule, and when traceabilityrecords are not needed. Her presentation gave pertinent cites, including the online ExemptionsTool, and the Critical Tracking Event and Key Data Elements. With the January 20, 2026, compliance date, she emphasized that FDA resources are essential to know and use now. She also noted upcoming roundtables FDA will convene to learn industry concerns with the implementation of the rule. Summaries of the roundtables will be reported out by FDA, particularly focusing on learnings about how to conduct records reviews inspections. Dr. Kristi Muldoon, FDA’s Director of the Office of Food Additive Safety, reported on the status of priority reviews of the safety of food additives and GRAS substances.
Ms. Robin McKinnon and Ms. Claudine Kavanaugh presented an update on major priorities for policyandregulatoryactionsintheareaoffoodlabeling,includingtheFDAcommitmenttoconsider policy development on reducing added sugars in foods. They also gave an update on the proposed rule under development to establish a front-of-pack nutrition labeling scheme, and to finalize a rule that defines the claim “healthy”. Also discussed, was FDA’s efforts to work with the National Academies to update dietary reference values for various nutrients. Finally, they discussed FDA’s policyand guidancetopromotesodium reduction followingtheir establishment ofsodium reduction targets for food categories and their monitoring of the marketplace to determine the extent to which industryhasworkedtoreducesodium.Theysaidtheirreport,whichcouldbethebasisofrulemaking to propose regulatory limits on sodium in foods, is being prepared for publication.
On the FSIS side, Mr. Jeff Canavan and Dr. Jennifer Green reported on the status of ingredient reviews and approvals by the agency, with a new emphasis on the potential for allergenicity as part of requests for accepting new ingredients. They also reported on the increase in animal production raising claims issues before the agency. Among theirpriorities is shared work with FDA on policies for accepting cell cultivated/cultured meat and poultry, which requires a preauthorization from any manufacturerinterestedin experimentingwiththetechnology. Lastly,ofnoteforNSMAmembers, it was reported that FSIS is actively working on a proposed rule to define “uncured”.
All in all, it was a great collegial session with FDA and FSIS staff, confirming once again that NSMA has established very helpful relationships with policy officials.
Communications Report
Geraldina A. Cristantiello, Marketing & Member Services
As we look back on this past year we are incredibly proud to share with you the progress and achievements we have made together as an association. Our member dedication and support have been instrumental to our success, and we are excited to celebrate these accomplishments with each and every one of you.
Here are some highlights of what we have achieved over the past year:
Advocacy and Influence: This year we elevated our Government Liaison Committee Meeting to new heights. Previously held annually at USDA and FDA offices, logistical challenges, particularly finding adequate room space, grew increasingly complex. During the shutdown, we pivoted to virtual meetings, yet the consensus is clear: there’s no substitute for in-person interaction. Embracing hybrid technology, this year’s meeting successfully convened at the College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center in Hyattsville, Maryland, accommodating both in-person attendance and virtual participation. Presentations from FDA and USDA staff were delivered in person with virtual access, setting a precedent for the future. We expect to embrace this mode of communication for future meetings. For details on the meeting’s content, please refer to Dr. Post’s updates in this annual report.
Events and Networking: The enthusiasm surrounding our 50th Anniversary celebration was recognized among our members. Following this success we hosted a dinner the evening before our Government Liaison meeting. We are also hosting a social gathering at the IFT FIRST on Sunday July 14. We remain committed to offering more events and networkingopportunities thatfoster interactionamongourAssociate andVotingmembers.
Member Engagement – NSMA Technical Forum – NSMA’s members-only Technical Forum is a private online tool powered by Google (group NSMAUSA). Some new members may need to accept an invitation to join. This platform is an excellent way to communicate within NSMA. You can use it to seek opinions, guidance, or share anything of interest. If you are unfamiliar with this resource, please reach out for instructions.
News You Can Use – This biweekly report provides our members with updates on Food Regulatory,Policy,Science,SafetyandMarket News.Itisemailedthroughourtechnical forum googlegroup.Nowenteringitssixthyear,it continuestobethemostvaluablepublicationtoour members.Itisespeciallyusefulandtimelywithresourcesandlinksthatyouandyourcolleagues can useonadailybasis.
Communications Report – (cont’d.)
Geraldina A. Cristantiello, Marketing & Member Services
Cyberlife at NSMA – NSMA maintains a robust online presence through our website and socialmediaplatforms.Ourwebsite(seasoningmanufacturers.org)features bothpublicand private members-only sections offering valuable resources. Members can access our Regulatory Manual, which includes specific policies, relevant regulations, and NSMA’s positions on topics dating back to our founding in 1973. Additionally, members have access to archived presentations, Government Liaison Meeting minutes, News You Can Use bulletin, and Annual Meeting minutes.
NSMA also has a presence on LinkedIn and on Facebook as National Seasoning Manufacturers Association and on Instagram @seasoningmanufacturersassoc. We look to expand our social media presence with the industry in the coming year.
AnnualReport–TheAnnualReportwas establishedin2020 duringCOVID-19pandemic to facilitate our Zoom Annual Meeting and ensure clarity in communication. It remains a vital tool for highlighting our achievements and outlining our future goals. Moreover, the report serves as a narrative for prospective members, detailing our organization’s journey. This year transitioned to a digital format - like a magazine - - accessible on our website. By documenting our accomplishments, we aim to attract new members and volunteers, fostering continued growth and engagement within NSMA. The value we offer for the cost of membership dues can’t be beat.
Sponsorship Program – As you can see in this Annual Report, we have continued our sponsorship program, offering enhanced benefits to our sponsors throughout the year. Sponsorsreceivetheopportunityto featuretheir advertisements prominentlyin ourAnnual Report, showcasing their support for NSMA and gaining visibility among our readers.
None of these achievements would have been possible without your active participation and commitment to our shared goals. Your feedback and involvement have been invaluable, shaping the direction of our association and ensuring that we continue to meet the needs of our members effectively.
Looking ahead, we are excited about the opportunities and challenges that await us. Together, we will build on our successes and continue to drive positive change in our industry.
Thank you once again for your continued support and dedication. We look forward to another year of growth, collaboration, and achievement with each of you.
NSMA Works to Get Clarity on Policies for Members – Highlights
Robert C. Post, PhD., Executive Director
One of the benefits to NSMA members is the availability of advice on challenging policy issues and regulatory requirements from our Executive Director and our network via the Members-Only Technical Forum. On behalf of members, I’ve been able to provide a voice for informing senior policy officials at HHS/FDA, USDA/FSIS, and at Codex/FAO, on a variety of issues to inform guidance and promote practicable solutions to challenges.
Some of the policy issues and actions on which members sought advice from NSMA are:
Supply chain disruptions for ingredient sourcing and availability, transportation, packaging materials and the likelihood of FDA guidance on regulatory compliance, included insights on specific ingredient substitutions.
FDA’s guidance priorities and timelines.
FDA’s traceability proposed rule.
FDA GRAS Notifications and the process for inquiries and timeliness of such
Amenability of products to USDA-FSIS jurisdiction and inspection versus FDA jurisdiction/inspection.
FDA sources of irradiation regulations and provisions for foods, ingredients, and components of seasonings.
FDA regulatory allowances for ETO use and controls, and international trade standards and challenges.
Heavy metals, FDA’s Closer to Zero initiative and potential impact of recommended action levels on seasoning products.
E-commerce and potential guidance on labeling meals kits with seasonings.
Sesame and the likelihood of additional allergens on FDA’s “big” list.
AMS’ BE Disclosure Standard and commodities and ingredients on the “required disclosure” list.
Classifying dried vegetables as RTE and Determining the Appropriate Preventive Control Strategy
These topics reflect the swirl of regulatory actions and policy issues FDA and USDA are addressing, as well as issues related to international food trade standards. As an example to show just howcurrent thesememberinquiries are, below is linktotheJune28,2024,updatefrom FDA’s (current) Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN) and Office of Food Policy and Response (OFPR) on their guidance priorities. This is an updated list of draft and final guidance topics that are a priority for the FDA Human Foods Program to complete during 2024.
The FDA has issued the following guidances that were on the list (accessed here):
New Dietary Ingredient (NDI) Notifications and Related Issues: NDI Notification Procedures and Timeframes: Guidance for Industry
New Dietary Ingredient Notification Master Files for Dietary Supplements; Draft Guidance for Industry
Foods Derived from Plants Produced Using Genome Editing; Guidance for Industry
Recommendations for Collecting Representative Samples for Food Testing Used as Evidence for Release of Certain Fish and Fishery Products Subject to Detention Without Physical Examination (DWPE) and Removal of a Foreign Manufacturer’s Goods from DWPE: Guidance for Industry
Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food; Appendix 1: Potential Hazards for Foods and Processes; Draft Guidance for Industry
NSMA continues to be activelyengaged, through the representation of its Executive Director, with FDA and USDA policy makers in their efforts to provide continued transparency for stakeholders regarding foods program priorities. This list above of Guidance Documents represents the FDA’s current thinking on a specific topic and the information can help stakeholders plan for potential changes that may impact their businesses and organizations. Guidance documents do not impose legally enforceable requirements but are helpful insights as to how policy makers view issues Although the FDA's intent is to publish all draft and final guidance topics on the list, modifications in plans may be needed to support emerging issues and Administration priorities. FDA also may issue additional guidances that are not on the list. Therefore, NSMA and the Executive Director will remain constant in ways to engage FDA and USDA, and Codex, officials to inform them on policies that affect our sector and will bring back the learnings and updates to the NSMA Membership.
As for regulatory actions, NSMA monitors and reports activities on rule development and publications as they are happening. NSMA’s Executive Director routinely interacts with the agencies on current regulatory priorities at FDA (see here), for example, seeking clarity of intent and timing to gauge impact on members’ products and operations. Updates are routinely provided with pertinent links in the NSMA News You Can Use policy updates.
Membership Report
Geraldina A. Cristantiello, Marketing & Member Services
NSMA Membership is based on a calendar year and as such this report will provide you with a recap of where we finished our year in 2023. Also included is a status report on this year’s membership as of June 30, 2024. New members that apply for membership remit pro-rated dues to the closest quarter.
The chart below shows our status as of December 2023. We currently have some members who have not yet paid their dues for 2024.
NSMA Membership as of December 2023
Below is a chart comparing resignations to total number of members over the last ten years.
Comparison Loss of Members to Total Members
Membership Report – (cont’d.)
Geraldina A. Cristantiello, Marketing & Member Services
We are pleased to report that our Membership has been steadily growing. Since our last annual meeting in July 2023, we have welcomed eight (8) new members, listed below:
VOTING MEMBERS
BCFoods/Culinary Farms
Harris Spice
Kerry Ingredients
Pristine Finds LLC
Savor Seasonings, LLC
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Beaconpoint Labs
Deibel Laboratories
Silgan Specialty
As of June 30, 2024, we have 56 members. Although we gained 8 new members, we did have one resignation (PAX Spice & Labs) and a merger (Asenzya and Saratoga Specialties are now Solina). At the time of this writing, we are awaiting payment from 2 members (1 Associate; 1 Voting).
NSMA Membership
July 1 - June 30 Yearly except where noted
Membership Report – (cont’d.)
Geraldina A. Cristantiello, Marketing & Member Services
The chart below illustrates our increasing membership, notably with a significant rise in our Associate Members. We attribute this growth to newly introduced benefits tailored specifically for Associate members, reinforcing the value of remaining members of NSMA.
Voting Members vs Associate Members
July - June yearly except where noted
Membership in the National SeasoningManufacturersAssociation (NSMA) is companybased and its benefits extend to all employees of your company. I strongly encourage you to involve others and highlight how NSMA’s resources can be of benefit them daily.
In lookingto the future, we will continue to recruit members and appreciate your referrals and leads. Please send them to me by email (gerri@seasoningmanufacturers.org), text/phone: (201) 657-1989 and I will be pleased to let them know the importance and value of membership.
NSMA Member Companies
As of June 30, 2024 *Indicates Associate Member
A.C. Legg, Inc.
Adams Flavors, Foods & Ingredients
Advanced Spice & Trading, Inc./Valdez Spice
Badia Spices, Inc.
Bag Supply Company *
BCFoods/Culinary Farms
Beaconpoint Labs *
Blue Line Foods
Bluegrass Ingredients *
Carolina Ingredients LLC *
Certified Laboratories, Inc.*
Chesapeake Spice Co. LLC
Deep South Blenders
Deibel Laboratories*
Elite Spice, Inc.
Everson Spice Company, Inc.
First Spice Mixing Co. Inc.
Fuji Foods
Givaudan
Griffith Foods, Inc.
Harris Spice
Hawkins Inc.
Illes Seasonings & Flavors
International Spices
iSpice Foods
Kalsec Inc. *
Kalustyan Corporation
Kerry Ingredients
Kutas North America *
Louisiana Fish Fry Products, Ltd. *
Macco Organiques, Inc.
Magic Seasoning Blends, LLC
MANE
McCarthy Spice & Blends
McClancy Seasoning Co.
McCormick & Co. Inc.
MG Spices
Newly Weds Foods Inc.
Nu Products Seasoning Co.
Old World Spices and Seasonings
Olds Products Company
Pacific Farms *
Pacific Spice Co. Inc.
Pristine Finds LLC
R.L. Schreiber, Inc.
Rio Valley Chili
Rocky Mountain Spice Company
Sabater USA
Savor Seasonings Inc.
Sensient Natural Ingredients *
Silgan Specialty *
Solina
Sterigenics Intl. Inc. *
Topchance Foods Inc. *
Wixon Inc.
World Flavors Inc. *
Board of Directors Slate
Geraldina A. Cristantiello, Marketing & Member Services
The Nominating Committee (comprised of Tim Sonntag, Kerri Goad Berrios, and Alina Lastra) was pleased to present the following slate of nominees for the Board of Directors for approval by the membership at the 2023 Annual Meeting.
These members will serve a 3-year term, ending in 2026:
Danelle Boehme, Solina
Denise Johnson, Newly Weds Foods, Inc.
Chris Stevenson, McCormick & Company, Inc.
Additionally, Aret Meyer of Sensient Natural Ingredients agreed to serve as Associate Member Director for a two-year term ending in 2025
Building the Future
Robert C. Post, PhD., Executive Director
Geraldina A. Cristantiello, Marketing & Member Services
We trust that this 2023-2024 Annual Report has provided members with a comprehensive account of the Association’s activities for this past year, our 51st. As we move toward 2025, we will continue with an effort to deliver more valued resources for members as well as undertake some new initiatives. Here’s what our plan will include:
Continue to build our membership and find new ways to promote networking.
Enhance our website to give a more thorough view of NSMA both the public and members-only sections.
Continue to provide members with the “News You Can Use: NSMA’s Food Regulatory, Policy, Science, Safety and Market News” policy updates, and archiving them and the helpful links to references and resources in them on the members-only section of the website.
Enhance our participation in the Food and Beverage Issue Alliance (FBIA). (feedingus.org), sharing NSMA viewpoints and insights that contribute to improved and informed federal and state food safety and nutrition policies.
Add additional resources to the members-only portion of the website based on members’ needs.
Conduct webinars on timely topics that will be open to members and non-members.
Partnering on educational training opportunities for our members.
Sponsor sessions on topics that challenge and promote seasoning manufacturers and the seasoning industry.
Develop communication vehicles for our website and for members, consumers, and professionals about seasonings, i.e., quality, nutritional benefits, contributions to make healthy foods more enjoyable.
As we continue to build this organization, we look to you, our members, to guide us in our role as your voice of the blended seasoning industry in promoting balanced and effective regulations and policies. We value your membership and thank you for your trust in us.
AChronologyof InformingPolicyMakerson MattersAffectingBlendedSeasoningManufacturers
Disclosing Ingredients in Proprietary Seasoning Formulas and NSMA Certifications Color Additives in Seasonings Treating Ingredients with Sources of Ionizing Radiation Ethylene Oxide Residuals
Sulfites/Sulfiting Agents and Labeling
Nitrates/Nitrites in Seasoning Blends
Flavor/Natural Flavor Labeling
Allergens Labeling
Heavy Metals and Other Contaminants: Limits and Controls
FSMA: Preventive Controls for RTE and Not RTE Ingredients
Supply Chain Challenges for Ingredients
Federal Truck Inspection Policy
