Microbiological status of untreated herbal materials

Dry herbal infusion materials are natural products which are cultivated, ha rvested and processed by natural, traditional processes. Dry plant material processed by natural methods, including those used for h erbal infusions, naturally have a higher level of micro-organisms than thos e found in most other foodstuffs. The levels of water activity in herbal infusion materials stored under norm al conditions are sufficiently low to safeguard against the growth of micro -organisms. Herbal infusion materials which comply with the EHIA Microbiological Guidel ine (Table 7) are safe for consumption when prepared with boiling water, wh ich effectively removes any remaining risk. Chemical decontamination techniques (such as ethylene oxide treatment) to r educe the level of micro-organisms in dried plant material are banned by th e EU, nor do EHIA members wish to use them. Further quality improvements are desirable and are being promoted by EHIA m ember companies to ensure the availability of the best quality herbal infus ions. This includes promoting the application of such generally accepted pr actices as GAP, GMP, QA systems and HACCP in the countries of origin.