*2.1. Samples*

Spices and aromatic herbs of different species, and of different countries of origin, were acquired in an international market in Saudi Arabia. The spices and herbs that were the object of this study are among the main ones imported into Europe and distributed in European countries. In this context, the end points of the present study were to check conformity with existing EU regulations, and the content of trace metal elements.

Thirteen samples of spices and aromatic herbs (labelled from A to O), packed in sealed plastic bags, were subjected to microbiological and chemical analysis. Table 1 reports the description of the samples according to their scientific name, vulgaris name, and country of origin. All microbial and chemical analyses have been carried out in triplicate.


**Table 1.** Analyzed herbs and spices and their origin.
