The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched a public consultation on the proposed recommendation to authorise the first cannabidiol (CBD) food products as novel foods in Great Britain. Stakeholders have until 20 November to respond.
CBD is a non-controlled cannabinoid extracted found within hemp and cannabis plants and can be produced synthetically. In the UK, CBD products come form of oils, capsules and tummies but also in sweets and confectionery and drinks.
The consultation 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 to help consumers make informed choices about CBD products. 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.
Warning label
The FSA‘s draft recommendations include the proposal that all authorised CBD products should carry clear warning labels stating that they are
- 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 the views and comments of all stakeholders and interested parties during the consultation process which will be open for 12 weeks, closing on 20th November 2025.
Food Standards Scotland (FSS) intend to issue the equivalent consultation for Scotland in late summer.
The FSA’s Thomas Vincent said: “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.
“Authorisation of CBD food products will support the Government’s growth agenda by allowing businesses with approved products to reformulate and develop new brands and product lines. Currently, no CBD food products have legal authorisation in the UK.”
Potential impact
Commenting on the development, Martin Last, HFMA director general said: “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.”