Hemp Derived Ingredients on The GRAS List

[HempHappy]

In December 2018, the FDA completed an evaluation of notices of three hemp derived ingredients. These three products fall under the category of generally recognized as safe, or GRAS. The three hemp products include: hulled hemp seed, hemp seed oil and hulled hemp seed. There was no doubt that these three hemp products were safe. These food products can be legally marketed for consumption in human food. They need to be compliant with other requirements. The use of these hemp substances for food use is for human consumption, and are not for use in animal food.

Hemp seeds come from the Cannabis sativa plant, and do not contain either CBD or THC. The hemp ingredients for which there were GRAS notices only contain trace amounts of CBD and THC. This is because the seeds may touch these substances from other parts of the Cannabis plant when they are harvested. However, consumption of these trace amounts of THC and CBD do not have the ability to make consumers experience the high, or euphoric, feeling.

The conclusions for GRAS apply to ingredients in human food which are marketed by private companies. They must meet manufacturing qualifications and listed specifications. Some of these include that they can be added to protein sources, carbohydrates, oil and added to beverages. These beverages can include smoothies, juices, protein drinks, and plant based substitutes to dairy products. More products include dips, sauces, dressings and soups. They can also be incorporated into baked goods, cereals, desserts, snacks and plant based meat alternatives.

All products which contain any of these hemp seed ingredients must have the names listed on all labeling. The GRAS notices do not affect where the FDA stands on the addition of CBD and THC to food.

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