The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed it has launched a consultation on the first proposed CBD food product authorisations.
The public consultation is on the proposed recommendation to authorise the first cannabidiol (CBD) food products as novel foods in Great Britain. It focuses on three applications (RP07, RP350 and RP 427) that are the first to have successfully progressed through the initial safety assessment stages.
The FSA is consulting on their draft recommendations to Ministers in England and Wales to authorise these applications with clear labelling requirements that provide information about safe and appropriate use. If approved by Ministers, products attached to the applications would become the first fully regulated CBD food products available on the UK market, subject to meeting the specifications of the authorisation.
The FSA’s Thomas Vincent commented: “This is another step forward in the FSA’s work to bring CBD into compliance with the law. We encourage those with an interest in this area to respond to the consultation so that we can take account of a full range of views before putting our recommendations to Government ministers. With these recommendations, we are moving closer to a regulated market for CBD which will support growth in the industry while maintaining high safety standards.”
The FSA’s draft recommendations include the proposal that all authorised CBD products should carry clear warning labels stating:
- Not suitable for persons under the age of 18.
- Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding or for those trying to conceive.
- Those taking medications or who are immunosuppressed should consult a healthcare professional before use.
The FSA says it welcomes views and comments of stakeholders and interested parties during the consultation process, which closes on November 20. Food Standards Scotland (FSS) intend to issue the equivalent consultation for Scotland in late summer. Currently, no CBD food products have legal authorisation in the UK.
In response, Martin Last, HFMA Director General, told Health Food Business: “As stakeholders, the Health Food Manufacturers’ Association (HFMA) will continue to be involved in the discussion and consultation process with the FSA on this matter, to help protect the interests of the industry and ensure their voice is heard. This consultation has the potential to impact a number of our members, and we will continue to keep them informed and updated as it progresses. We will be engaging with the FSA to discuss this next stage and we encourage companies to get in touch with us if they have concerns or comments that we should be aware of. The HFMA continues to support the natural products arena with our continued dialogue and involvement with government departments and regulatory bodies, supporting the industry by presenting an authoritative and united voice. HFMA members will be kept informed via our bulletins and updates.”
