FSA opens public consultation on first CBD food approvals in Great Britain
The agency suggests mandatory warning labels for all authorised CBD products, highlighting age restrictions, pregnancy and fertility risks, and the need for medical advice for those on medication or with weakened immunity.
UK – 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, closing on 20th November 2025.
The regulator is consulting on its draft recommendations to ministers to authorise these applications, accompanied by precise labelling requirements that provide information about safe and appropriate use, to help consumers make informed choices about CBD products.
If approved, the products attached to the applications would become the first fully regulated CBD food products available on the UK market, subject to meeting the specifications outlined in the authorisation.
“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.” Thomas Vincent, Food Standards Agency, said.
CBD is a non-controlled cannabinoid extracted from the cannabis plant. It is found within hemp and cannabis plants and can be produced synthetically.
CBD products are being sold as foods, often as food supplements, in the UK and may include but are not limited to: oils, capsules and gummies, sweets and confectionery, as well as drinks.
The FSA’s draft recommendations propose that all authorised CBD products must carry clear warning labels stating that they are not suitable for persons under 18, not suitable during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or for those trying to conceive, and that individuals taking medications or who are immunosuppressed should consult a healthcare professional before use.
“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,” Vincent added.
The FSA welcomes the views and comments of all stakeholders and interested parties during the consultation process, which will be open for 12 weeks, until 20th November 2025.
Food Standards Scotland (FSS) plans to issue a consultation equivalent to that for Scotland in late summer.
“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,” he concluded.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
