FSA issues deadline for CBD products

Businesses have been advised that CBD products that have not been submitted for valid novel food authorisation by March 2021 “will be taken off the shelves.” The Food Standards Agency says that the process ensures novel foods meet legal standards on safety and content.

In the meantime companies are still able to sell existing CBD products that are correctly labelled, are not unsafe to eat and do not contain substances that fall under drugs legislation.

Emily Miles, chief executive of the FSA, said, “CBD products are widely available on the high street but are not properly authorised. The CBD industry must provide more information about the safety and contents of these products to the regulator before 31 March 2021, or the products will be taken off the shelves.

“Also today, we are advising that CBD could be risky for vulnerable groups, and suggesting an upper limit of 70mg a day for everyone else taking the product.

“The actions that we’re taking today are a pragmatic and proportionate step in balancing the protection of public health with consumer choice. It’s now up to industry to supply this information so that the public can be reassured that CBD is safe and what it says it is.”

Professor Alan Boobis, chair of the Committee on Toxicity, added, “My committee has reviewed the evidence on CBD food products and found evidence there are potential adverse health effects from the consumption of these products. We are particularly concerned about pregnant or breast-feeding women and people on medication.

“We don’t know enough to be sure about such a risk but I am pleased with the sensible and pragmatic approach the FSA is taking. The committee will continue to keep these products under review in the months ahead.”