Hemp seed food ban upheld

The nation's 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 compound 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 permit the inclusion of 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 that the sale of foods containing hemp remains banned.

According to the communique of the meeting, 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 confused message to consumers about the acceptability and safety of cannabis".

Ministers agreed to undertake further work to consider these issues.

Hemp is used in other countries, including in Europe, Canada and the United States, in a range of foods including 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, particularly omega-3 fatty acids.