Plant Herbal Powders - even if Heat Treated are not the best ingredients for Nutritional Formulations (which are almost always eaten raw and not cooked)  

Microbiological Contamination and Growth is a big issue - even if Heat Treated and it is difficult to control microbiological safety 

XC BIOTECH is recommending that customers consider formulating with Herbal Extracts instead - which are much more stable and microbiologically safe - and also offer cost advantages due to concentration factors.

Key Takeaways

Environmental Risks: Summer heat and humidity accelerate microbial growth in herbal powders, especially during global shipping.

Microbial Impacts: High counts degrade potency, shorten shelf life, and introduce safety risks from pathogens and mycotoxins.

Hygroscopic Nature: Herbal powders absorb moisture, increasing water activity and enabling microbial proliferation.

Decontamination Limits: Heat and radiation reduce microbial loads but cannot ensure sterility due to spore survival or recontamination.

Regulatory Balance: Limits like 500,000 CFU/g TVC accommodate natural variability while ensuring safety, with testing at receipt being critical.

Extract Advantage: Herbal extracts reduce microbial risk and enhance cost-effectiveness through higher potency and lower usage rates.