Pubdate: Sat, 31 Jan 2015
Source: Age, The (Australia)
Copyright: 2015 The Age Company Ltd
Contact:  http://www.theage.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5
Author: Dan Harrison

HEMP IN FOOD OFF THE MENU IN AUSTRALIA

Food ministers have rejected advice from Australia's food standards 
agency that hemp be allowed to be used in food.

Hemp is a species of cannabis, but unlike marijuana contains no or 
very low levels of the mind- altering chemical tetrahydrocannabinol ( THC).

It is used in Australia in clothing and building products, but cannot 
be used in food.

In 2012, Food Standards Australia New Zealand approved an application 
to include hemp in food. Food ministers asked the agency to review 
its decision, which the agency reaffirmed, noting that foods derived 
from hemp seeds did not present any safety concerns.

But at a meeting in Auckland on Friday, food ministers resolved to 
reject the decision, meaning the sale of foods containing hemp remains banned.

Ministers were concerned about how foods containing hemp would affect 
roadside drug testing, and also that the marketing of hemp in food 
may send a confusing safety message.

Hemp is used in other countries, including in Europe, Canada and the 
United States, in foods such as health bars, salad oils, non-soy tofu 
and non-dairy cheeses. In New Zealand, hemp seed oil can be sold as a 
food under certain conditions.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand says hemp seeds are a source of 
protein, vitamins, minerals and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom