The Food Standard Agency’s (FSA) publication of credible applications for CBD product approval has been welcomed by CBD companies.
To ensure consumer safety, the CBD product list contains all credible applications that have provided toxicological data with a view to being approved as safe products for human consumption.
Containing synthetic, isolate and full-spectrum products, those on the list will now advance towards possible final approval – although it does not guarantee safety at this stage. Those on the list will be able to continue to market products until approval.
The European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA) has stated that EIHA projects GmbH is currently running multiple toxicological studies for both CBD formats: isolate and full-spectrum, and has received preliminary and “extremely encouraging results” which it has shared with the FSA.
The most significant study – the “90-days study” has been completed for isolate, while it is still ongoing for the full spectrum. The EIHA says it anticipates that it will submit the final results for isolate in July 2022 and full spectrum by Q4 2022. In both cases, submissions will be made to FSA and EFSA.
Catherine Wilson, EIHA Advisory Committee, UK, commented: “I would like to thank our many members for their support. With our toxicology studies nearly complete we hope that authorisation for both applications will follow soon; this will also enable new products and brands to be developed and placed on the market.”
Jade Proudman, global ambassador for Charlotte’s Web, whose products which are included on the list, and founder of UK retailer Savage Cabbage, stated: “We are pleased to see that the FSA has taken a thorough approach to a very complicated process. It has been a long road so far and to be recognised as a company with an acknowledged Novel Foods Application is a great day for Savage Cabbage and Charlotte’s Web.
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“This is the first step to a better regulated industry, and we look forward to the EIHA toxicology study data being published, which is the world’s largest-ever human study on safe THC limits in CBD products, to enable us to further demonstrate the safety of full-spectrum CBD Oils.
“Charlotte’s Web are the pioneers of evidence-based full-spectrum CBD products, evidenced by their recent clinical study that demonstrated a 74 per cent improvement in well-being (according to the WHO-5 Well-being Index) for participants using their Original Formula CBD. We look forward to continuing to advocate for the quality and efficacy of full-spectrum CBD products to supplement the well-being of UK consumers.”
Yooma Wellness Inc., has stated its wholly-owned subsidiary, Vitality CBD and its product range have been included on the approved list. The company has stated that it welcomes increased compliance in the sector.
Phillip Glyn, commercial director of Vitality, commented: “After 18 months of work and investment, Vitality CBD is delighted and proud to be included on the Novel Food Public List. It is an important milestone for the Company and will add further credibility to being one of the most trusted CBD brands in the UK.”
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Jordan Greenberg, CEO of Yooma, added: “Yesterday’s update by the FSA is welcome news and moves us ever closer to receiving full authorisation for Vitality’s products.
“Yooma’s position as a vertically-integrated manufacturer and distributor of CBD products means we are well placed to capitalise on the growing demand for these products across the UK and Europe. We look forward to receiving the results of the toxicology report and updating shareholders on our further progress.”
Love Hemp Group has also had its CBD products included on the list. The company has stated that is has worked hard to ensure its products are of the highest quality standards and meet all requirements as stipulated by any regulatory body, and that the FSA’s decision provides clarity for consumers.
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The company submitted multiple individual products at the beginning of this process, two years ago, and has invested initially over £300,000 to ensure it received the best legal and scientific advice for a successful application.
Adam Pritchard, chief commercial officer of Love Hemp, stated: “We note today’s update from the FSA and are delighted with the results. As an award-winning and trusted CBD brand we have always been committed to creating the highest quality, 100 per cent natural, products.
“The CBD industry in the UK has been largely unregulated, resulting in a lack of clarity for our consumers and we welcome progress made to date by the FSA. We continue to work closely with the FSA and look forward to the next stage of the process, proceeding to validation followed by full approvals.”
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