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Survey: Regulatory Issues with Hemp-based Food and Food Supplements on the Irish Market

Wednesday, 12 February 2020

A considerable number of potential regulatory breaches have been identified from this survey of the Irish market.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) coordinated a survey of foods and food supplements on the Irish market that consist of or contain hemp (Cannabis sativa) or hemp-derived material. Samples were collected by Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) of the Health Service Executive and analysed by the Public Analyst laboratory in Dublin for the presence of a number of cannabinoids found naturally in hemp.

All of the food products analysed in this survey were found to have one or a number of regulatory issues that need to be addressed with the responsible food businesses.

The FSAIworks with the official agencies and the relevant food businesses to rectify all issues identified, with priority given to products that could pose a safety risk to consumers. Further work in examining this expanding range of Cannabis-based foods and food supplements for regulatory compliance is planned by the FSAI.