EU sets strict daily limit on CBD in food supplements amid lingering safety gaps
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has introduced a provisional limit on the consumption of hemp-derived CBD in food supplements. The new rule sets a daily safe intake of 0.0275 milligrams per kilogram of body weight—around 2 mg for an average 70 kg adult. This decision follows nearly three years of regulatory uncertainty due to gaps in safety data.
The limit applies strictly to food supplements containing CBD with a purity of at least 98%. EFSA's assessment does not cover other CBD products or lower-purity extracts. Meanwhile, hemp seeds themselves remain exempt from 'novel food' classification, as they have been consumed in Europe for years.
EU-wide rules already restrict THC levels in hemp seed foods. Dry products can contain no more than 3 mg/kg, while hemp seed oil is capped at 7.5 mg/kg. CBD, however, is classified as a 'novel food' and requires scientific approval before being legally sold in edible products.
EFSA has also highlighted groups for whom CBD safety remains unclear. Individuals under 25, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those on medication are advised against consumption. The agency notes ongoing data gaps, particularly regarding CBD's potential effects on the liver and other bodily systems.
The new threshold is considered extremely cautious. Industry observers suggest it may force manufacturers to reformulate existing products to comply with the ultra-low limit.
The provisional limit aims to provide clarity after years of regulatory delay. However, no updates on national CBD rules across EU member states have been reported since EFSA's 2024 recommendation. The decision leaves gaps in long-term safety data while setting a strict baseline for CBD food supplements.
