AHPA releases new guidance policy for supplements and foods containing hemp-derived CBD

The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA; Silver Springs, MD) has adopted a new guidance policy for dietary supplements and food products containing hemp and hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD). AHPA developed the guidance to encourage industry to be mindful of federal regulations that apply to these categories notwithstanding FDA’s current position on CBD and its ongoing review of potential legal pathways.

"FDA’s current position on the lawful status of CBD shouldn't be misinterpreted to mean that FDA does not regulate supplement or food products that contain hemp or CBD," said AHPA president Michael McGuffin, in a press release. "Hemp and CBD companies should maintain compliance with established regulations for dietary supplement and food products to ensure quality and safety."

In the guidance policy, AHPA recommends that manufacturers, labelers, packers, holders, or marketers of dietary supplements or food containing hemp or CBD, “comply with the following federal regulations that apply to such operations: food facility registration; current good manufacturing and good agricultural practice regulations; labeling requirements, including nutrition labeling, allergen disclosure, listing of required contact information, absence of drug claims, etc.; new dietary ingredient and food additive provisions, where applicable; and also, that dietary supplement operations comply with applicable obligations for timely submission to FDA of any received serious adverse event reports associated with their products.”