Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today called for submissions on whether to permit the sale of food derived from the seeds of low THC hemp.

FSANZ Chief Executive Officer Steve McCutcheon said the proposal was prepared after a request from the Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation (The Forum).

“Based on previous work done in assessing applications for permitting the sale of food derived from low THC hemp, FSANZ considers low THC hemp seed foods to be safe for human consumption. Moreover, they may provide a useful alternative dietary source of nutrients and polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3 fatty acids.

“The Forum has asked FSANZ to consider a number of additional matters as part of this proposal, including the need to set a cannabidiol limit and policy advice on restricting the marketing and advertising of low THC hemp as a food. FSANZ has responded to these matters in its call for submissions paper.”

FSANZ welcomes comments from government agencies, public health professionals, industry and the community.

The closing date for submissions is 25 August 2016.

http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/media/Pages/Call-for-submissions-on-food-derived-from-low-THC-hemp-seeds.aspx