Europe Raises THC Levels For Hemp Food Products In Major Breakthrough For Industry

Peter McCusker reports at Cannabis Business Executive

EUROPE’S decision to establish a new maximum level of THC in hemp food products will prompt a surge of investment, says the industry’s leading trade group.

Companies operating in the 27 Member States of the European Union have been hamstrung by an excessively strict reference dose of a maximum level of Delta-9 THC in seed products of 1 mg/kg/bw (body weight) since 2015.

This European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommendation has led to numerous cross-border cargoes being seized and destroyed by customs officers across the EU – suppressing the appetite of the larger food companies.

However, following petitioning by the industry led by the European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) the European Commission (EC) has fixed the permitted level of Delta-9 THC to 3 mg/kg for dry products – flour, proteins, seeds, snacks – and 7.5 mg/kg for hempseed oil.

‘Investment Boost For Sector’

At a time when plant-based products are rapidly increasing in popularity the European Commission’s decision to significantly raise the THC limits is welcome, says Daniel Kruse, EIHA President.

“This long-awaited piece of legislation is a significant win for our industry and the EIHA has been a strong advocate for this change for almost ten years.

“EIHA also contributed with sound scientific facts to the stakeholder consultation of the European Commission in 2020. It will greatly help our members and all food business operators wishing to work with hemp seed derived products, such as hemp seed oil.”

Lorenza Romanese Managing Director of EIHA, added: “All Member States will have to follow common values, driving consistency across the EU and creating a stable and more attractive market for investors.

“These values will be applicable for dry food derived from seeds and hemp seeds oil and will be mandatory for all Member States.

“As many consumers across Europe and the world look for alternatives to meat this initiative finally puts an end to the internal market fragmentation and will most likely deliver a further significant boost to the investment in the sector.”

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The new regulations also deliver some wriggle room for the industry with an additional leeway of 50% added to the maximum THC level due to what is classed by the EC as ‘measurement uncertainty’.

Read full article.  https://www.cannabisbusinessexecutive.com/2022/03/europe-raises-thc-levels-for-hemp-food-products-in-major-breakthrough-for-industry/?utm_source=CBE+Master+List&utm_campaign=b48c0da030-CBE-News-Insights-Issue-491-March-15-2022-V1&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1f64189714-b48c0da030-264162657

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