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AHPA monitoring FSSAI advisory on ashwagandha leaves
May 8, 2026
The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) is closely monitoring a recent advisory issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regarding the use of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) leaves. The advisory, released by the Indian regulatory body on April 16, clarifies its position on the restriction of ashwagandha leaves in crude, extract, or any other form within food products.
Ashwagandha is one of the most prominent botanicals in the global marketplace, valued for its long history of use in Ayurvedic tradition. While the root is the most commonly utilized part of the plant in traditional applications, various modern formulations have incorporated leaf-derived extracts.
“This has been a longstanding point of discussion within the botanical industry, and we are engaged with our Ayurvedic Products Committee to evaluate the technical nuances of the FSSAI's advisory,” said AHPA President & CEO Graham Rigby. “AHPA is working to determine how this clarification might impact the global supply chain. AHPA's focus remains on ensuring that any regulatory policies potentially impacting international supply chains are grounded in sound science and that U.S. consumers continue to have access to safe, high-quality dietary supplements that meet all domestic compliance standards.”
AHPA will continue to track this issue and provide further updates to its members as more information becomes available through its ongoing dialogue with our network of experts and international partners.
