The industry’s spicy secret

No one ever suspects trouble with their spices… they're just harmless, dried herbs and peppers, ground up to add clean flavor to food. Unfortunately, like most things in the modern food system, the story isn’t that simple.

Most of the spice supply is funneled through industrial sterilization before it reaches shelves. That means the seasonings in your “healthy” snacks and sauces may not be as clean as you think.

How spices are sterilized

The U.S. imports about 95% of its spices. To clear customs, they have to meet FDA microbial safety standards, meaning most bulk spices are sterilized before they ever reach store shelves. 

The industry’s main tools are irradiation or ethylene oxide: both wipe out salmonella, mold, and pests, but they also change the food itself, stripping nutrients and leaving behind chemical risks.

A breakdown:

Irradiation: Spices are blasted with ionizing radiation. It’s effective at sterilization, but it also breaks down antioxidants, carotenoids, and volatile oils, and can form chemical byproducts that scientists are still studying for long-term health effects.

Ethylene oxide: A pesticide gas and known human carcinogen. It’s banned in the EU for food because of its toxicity, but still permitted in the U.S. In 2023, several curry powders in Europe were recalled after testing positive for ethylene oxide residues.

The seeds matter too

Even if your spices aren’t sterilized with radiation or chemicals, there’s another problem hiding in plain sight: the seeds.

Pepper seeds and other spice seeds contain inflammatory plant compounds that can irritate digestion. They also don’t bring much flavor…they just bulk up the grind. That’s why truly high-quality spices are deseeded before milling. It’s extra labor, but it’s the only way to get clean, potent spice.

What about organic?

The good news: If you’re buying certified organic foods, you are protected. USDA organic rules strictly forbid both irradiation and ethylene oxide. 

But if you’re buying “healthy” products, like meat sticks or other foods that use spices in their seasoning, and the entire product isn’t certified organic, make sure the spices say “organic” on the ingredients list.

If we caught your attention with “meat sticks”

We’ve been pretty impressed with what Lineage Provisions is doing. Their meat snacks use only organic, steam-sterilized, non-irradiated spices… no shortcuts, no hidden chemicals.

Our favorites right now? Their new flavors of Air-Dried Steak and Meat Sticks (the Garlic & Onion and Spicy Southwest are killer). Yes, they’re spiced, and no, they’re not irradiated or gassed. They use deseeded peppers and clean, carefully sourced herbs that actually taste alive. 

In a world where you have to think twice about everything you eat, we love grabbing something from Lineage and knowing the work has already been done. You’ll taste the difference immediately.

Use code SEEDOILSCOUT for an exclusive 15% off your order, for a limited time only.

This is a higher Lineage discount than you’ll find anywhere else, so take advantage while it lasts.

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