Black Pepper
Also listed as Pepper, Ground Black Pepper, and Peppercorns.
Spices & Herbs
This is what the ingredient is.
Black pepper is a dried spice from peppercorns. Labels may say black pepper or ground pepper.
Here is why it shows up on the label.
It seasons savory foods at the table and in cooking.
Here is what food agencies say.
Spices are FDA-regulated foods. Importers must meet food safety and labeling requirements.
Here is what research has found.
Salmonella contamination of spices, including pepper, has driven past US recalls and import alerts.
Here are a few things worth knowing.
Keep dry. Buy from reputable packs if you are in a higher-risk group for spice-borne illness.
Sources
- FDA Food Labeling
- USDA FSIS
- FDA Recalls
How to read this page
We publish plain facts about this ingredient so a label is easier to read. This is not medical advice, and it is not a recommendation to buy, avoid, or use anything. For a personal health question, talk with a clinician who knows your history.
v1.0Updated 9/15/2026