Call for submissions on hemp application report

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) today called for submissions from government agencies, public health professionals, industry and the community on its assessment report for an application to allow food derived from hemp.

FSANZ Chief Executive Officer Steve McCutcheon said that at this stage of the assessment process, FSANZ is considering an amendment to the Food Standards Code that would permit the use of processed hemp seed products as food, subject to specified maximum levels of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but not the sale of whole or viable hemp seeds.

“The assessment confirms low THC hemp foods are safe to eat and may provide a useful alternative dietary source of many nutrients and polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega-3 fatty acids,” McCutcheon said.

Hemp is used in other countries, including Canada, the United States and many European countries, in a range of foods such as health bars, salad oils, non-soy tofu and non-dairy cheeses.

Hemp is different to other varieties of Cannabis sativa, commonly referred to as marijuana. Hemp contains no, or very low, levels of THC (delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the chemical associated with the psychoactive properties of marijuana.

At present, hemp cannot be used in food in Australia and New Zealand as it is prohibited in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. However, hemp oil has been permitted in NZ since 2002 under the New Zealand Food (Safety) Regulations.

This will be the final round of public comment before a final assessment by FSANZ goes to the FSANZ Board, early next year. FSANZ does not make its decisions based solely on the numbers of submissions ‘for’ or ‘against’ a particular course of action, but considers the issues that are raised and any supporting evidence that is provided in all submissions, in addition to its own assessment.

If the Board approves a decision to amend the Code, that decision will be notified to the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council.

The Ministerial Council then has 60 days to either ask FSANZ to review its decision or inform FSANZ that it does not intend to request a review.

Making a submission

• Submissions must be made in writing, by email, by 1 February 2012.
• For further information on making a submission, refer to the Guide for Making Submissions.
• Download the report Application A1039 - Low THC Hemp as a Food.