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Aug 22, 2025 - Foods

August 20, 2025 - Delta-8-THC in Food: EFSA Assesses Risks

Delta-8-THC in Food – EFSA Assesses Health Risks
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has investigated the health risks of Delta-8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta-8-THC) in food.
Delta-8-THC is structurally very similar to the well-known Delta-9-THC and also has psychoactive effects.

 
Background: THC Limits in Food
Since 2015, an acute reference dose (ARfD) of 1 mg per kilogram of body weight per day has applied for Delta-9-THC.
Since Delta-8-THC is also present in hemp-containing food products, EFSA is examining whether a common limit value (group ARfD) should be set for both substances.

 
Results of the EFSA Investigation
EFSA made the following recommendations:

• Investigate creation: It must be clarified how Delta-8-THC is formed in food.
• Group ARfD: Due to the similar toxicological properties, the current ARfD for Delta-9-THC should be extended to Delta-8-THC.
• Update risk assessment: The assessment for Delta-9-THC should be updated – especially in relation to low doses and effects on development and reproduction.
   

THC Analyses in the Tentamus Network
In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct chemical analyses for Delta-8-THC and Delta-9-THC to ensure food safety.

📞 Our customer advisors are available to you at any time for questions.

Sources:

• www.lebensmittelverband.de
• www.efsa.europa.eu