After 31 March next year, only products which have submitted a valid application will be allowed to remain on the market.
Local authorities have been advised that businesses should be able to sell their existing CBD products during this time, provided they are not incorrectly labelled, are not unsafe to eat and do not contain substances that fall under drugs legislation.
In addition, the FSA is today advising those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking any medication not to consume CBD products. Healthy adults are also advised to think carefully before taking CBD, and the FSA recommends no more than 70mg a day (about 28 drops of 5% CBD) unless under medical direction.
This new precautionary advice is based on recent findings by the government’s Committee on Toxicity (COT).
CBD products widely available
”CBD products are widely available on the high street, but are not properly authorised,” said Emily Miles, chief executive of the FSA.
”The CBD industry must provide more information about the safety and contents of these products to the regulator before 31 March 2021, or the products will be taken off the shelves.
”The actions that we’re taking today are a pragmatic and proportionate step in balancing the protection of public health with consumer choice. It’s now up to industry to supply this information so that the public can be reassured that CBD is safe and what it says it is.”
Potential adverse health effects
Professor Alan Boobis, chairman of the Committee on Toxicity, said: ”My committee has reviewed the evidence on CBD food products and found evidence there are potential adverse health effects from the consumption of these products. We are particularly concerned about pregnant or breast-feeding women and people on medication.
”We don’t know enough to be sure about such a risk, but I am pleased with the sensible and pragmatic approach the FSA is taking. The committee will continue to keep these products under review in the months ahead.”
