CBD Cannabidiol review pt 3 - Alarming FSAI test results for product on sale in Ireland

Non – medical CBD Cannabidiol

A cannabis derivative

Part 3

FSAI survey of CBD products on the Irish Market

In February 2020, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) published results of their own survey of 38 CBD products for sale throughout Ireland. This survey was enabled by a newly accredited laboratory in Ireland to test products effectively.

The summary of the main findings of this FSAI survey was:

• 37% (14/38) of the products tested had levels of THC that if consumed at the maximum stated dosage could significantly exceed the safe limit set by EFSA of 1µg/kg/body weight/per day.
• 34% (13/38) of the samples are classified as novel foods and thus require authorisation before being placed on the EU market.
• 36% (13/36) of samples classed as food supplements had not been notified to the FSAI before being placed on the market, as required by the law.
• 41% (15/37) of the products tested contained CBD levels which differed by >50% compared to the declared level (one product did not declare CBD levels). This rose to >92% of products where the analytical and declared CBD content differed by at least 10%. Some products had barely detectable levels of CBD.
• 50% (19/38) made misleading claims including lactose free, gluten free, non-GMO, along with unauthorised health claims and some which may be considered medical claims.

Following on from the FSAI survey, the FSAI acted in removing 5 brands of products from shelves following testing

Where are we now?

The answer is we don’t know enough. There is not sufficient long-term evidence to indicate any benefit to taking CBD at all. Particularly areas of concern are the lack of evidence concerning interaction with medication people take for many of the conditions CBD allegedly can relieve. The evidence so limited, it has led the FSA in the UK to advise that those on any medication or are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid using CBD products altogether. It would at least suggest that we ask the question “Have you spoken to your doctor about this” when people purchase the product at the counter.

Ask your pharmacist

If you have any questions about CBD and their benefits or any risks when taking  other medication, ask our pharmacist at Whelehans Pearse St or Clonmore. Whelehans stock CBD oil from reputable sources; ask our pharmacist for more details. 

For comprehensive and free health advice and information call in to Whelehans, log on to www.whelehans.ie or dial 04493 34591 (Pearse St) or 04493 10266 (Clonmore). Email queries to info@whelehans.ie. Find us on Facebook