K A S H R U T . C O M_©

One-third of spices sold in Canada spiked with fillers, says federal agency

April 8, 2018 from the Radio Canada International:

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) conducted 925 tests on 304 samples of sipeces in the 2016-17 fiscal year, compared to only 16 tests on four samples in the 2013-14 fiscal year.
"he tests show that nearly one third of spices sold in the country do not conform to the list of ingredients posted on product labels. Maple syrup and honey on the other hand get almost perfect scores – 99 per cent and 89 per cent compliance respectively."
"Food commodities and ingredients that are expensive and are part of complex supply chains are particularly vulnerable."
"An assessment of 54 suspected adulterated oregano samples revealed that almost 90 per cent of them contained at least one bulking agent, with a median level of adulteration of 50 per cent."
"Several experts say the best way to reduce the risk of buying spiked ground spices (and get much better flavour) is to buy the spices in their whole form and then grind them at home."