Available statistics show a significant decrease of EU imports of Brazilian pepper either crushed or ground over the last three years. However, statistical data do not indicate the quantity of Brazilian pepper contained in spice mixtures imported into the EU from other third countries.

A Commission priority is to ensure a strong and effective protection of human, animal, and plant health, which may comprise related aspects provided in the Commission Notice[1] on the evaluation of risks, on a case-by-case basis.

Article 11 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002[2] requires that food and feed imported for placing it on the market within the EU comply with the relevant requirements of food law.

Regulation (EU) 2019/1793[3] lays down the list of food and feed of non-animal origin subject to a temporary increase of official controls or special conditions upon their entry into the EU, aiming to enhance food safety and thus public health by ensuring compliance with EU agri-food legislation. Black pepper (piper nigrum) originating from Brazil is listed in that regulation due to possible contamination by Salmonella.

When a consignment of pepper is declared as non-compliant due to a presence of Salmonella exceeding the criteria laid down in EU legislation, Article 66 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625[4] provides that the consignment must be destroyed, re-dispatched outside the EU or subject to special treatment. This is a safety measure to protect the health of EU consumers.

The compliance level of Brazilian peppers observed in 2024 was satisfactory.

Last updated: 8 July 2025