Hemp oil and seed products have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their numerous health benefits. However, many people are still unaware of the benefits of these products and the regulations surrounding their use. In this article, we aim to provide comprehensive information about hemp oil and seed products and their recent recognition by FSSAI.
Key Takeaways
FSSAI has declared that hemp seeds and seed products are officially recognized as a food source in The Gazette of India, which was published on November 15, 2021.
Only hemp seeds from plants with a THC content of less than 0.3 percent are authorized to be used in meals.
The THC level in food seeds must not exceed 5 mg/kg, and THC content in seed oil must not exceed 10 mg/kg.
The THC content in hemp seed beverages shall not exceed 0.2 mg/kg.
"Solid product after seeds are ground to a powder with or without oil extraction," according to the definition of hemp-seed flour. THC concentrations in such goods cannot exceed 5 mg/kg.
CBD levels in hemp seed or seed-based food items are not allowed to exceed 75 mg/kg.
"Any image/representation of the cannabis plant (including the leaf) other than the seeds, nor the words 'cannabis, "marijuana,' or words of similar meaning" are prohibited on product labels, as are any nutrition or health claims about CBD, "any image/representation of the cannabis plant (including the leaf) other than the seeds, nor the words 'cannabis,"marijuana,' or words of similar meaning."
What is Hemp Oil?
Hemp oil is derived from the seeds of the hemp plant, which is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species. Unlike marijuana, hemp contains only trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive compound that produces a "high". Therefore, hemp oil does not produce any psychoactive effects and is legal to use.
Hemp oil is rich in essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, which are important for maintaining good health. It also contains antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can help improve skin health, reduce inflammation, and support heart health.
What are Hemp Seed Products?
Hemp seeds are also derived from the hemp plant and are often used in a variety of food products, including hemp milk, hemp protein powder, and hemp seed oil. Like hemp oil, hemp seeds contain essential fatty acids and other beneficial compounds that can support overall health.
Hemp seed products have gained popularity among health enthusiasts due to their nutritional benefits. They are an excellent source of protein and are rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, iron, and magnesium.
FSSAI Recognition of Hemp Oil and Seed Products
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently recognized hemp oil and seed products as food ingredients. This means that hemp seed products can now be used in food products, subject to certain regulations.
According to FSSAI, hemp seed products can be used as an ingredient in food products as long as the THC content does not exceed 0.3%. The products must also be labeled as "not for medical use" and must not make any health claims.
The recognition of hemp oil and seed products by FSSAI is a positive step towards promoting the use of these products in India. With their numerous health benefits, hemp oil and seed products have the potential to become a popular ingredient in a variety of food products.
Under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Fifth Amendment Regulations, 2021, hemp oil and seed products were among the other edible goods allowed as food.
Hemp seed has several health advantages, including lowering the risk of heart disease, treating skin conditions, providing a healthy source of protein, easing PMS and menopausal symptoms, and improving digestion.
FSSAI has declared that hemp seeds and seed products are officially recognized as a food source in The Gazette of India, which was published on November 15, 2021. Under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Fifth Amendment Regulations, 2021, hemp oil and seed products were among the other edible goods allowed as food.
Hemp seeds, hemp seed oil, and hemp seed flour are now regulated to be:
It's either sold as food or it's sold as a product.
Used as a component in commercially available food.
The FDA recognizes the potential benefits that cannabis or cannabis-derived substances may provide, as well as the many people who are interested in learning more about them. However, the FDA is aware that some businesses are selling cannabis and cannabis-derived chemicals in ways that are illegal under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), putting consumers' health and safety at risk.
The agency is dedicated to safeguarding public health while also working to improve the efficiency of regulatory procedures for the legal distribution of cannabis and cannabis-derived goods.
The FDA has certain materials accessible that deal with cannabis and cannabis-derived products, such as CBD, and the agency wants to make sure that purchasers and other stakeholders can access that information in one place.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hemp oil and seed products are a rich source of essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds that can support overall health. With their recent recognition by FSSAI, these products have the potential to become a popular ingredient in a variety of food products.
If you are interested in incorporating hemp seed products into your diet, we recommend consulting with a healthcare professional first. Additionally, it is important to purchase products from a reputable source that follows all necessary regulations and quality standards.