News

Go back

03.04.2023 - Foods

LegalLoopholeInFoodLaw:ConsumerDeceptionThroughDangerousBotanicals(e.g.,CannabisAndTurmeric)-§12LFGBorArt.14BasicRegulation

The evaluation of foods containing plant substances and preparations (so-called botanicals) above toxicological threshold values presents a challenge, as administrative case law has set hurdles for the application of Article 14(2a) or (2b) of Regulation (EC) No. 178/2002. If the application of Article 14(2b) of the Regulation is restricted by a narrow interpretation of Article 5 to putrefaction, spoilage, contamination, or decomposition, a regulatory gap is created.

The example of tetrahydrocannabinol in hemp products with cannabidiol and curcumin in turmeric-based dietary supplements illustrates the challenge of food law evaluation, as no contamination is present by definition in the mentioned products. In cases where Article 14 of the Regulation does not apply, an assessment as unfit for consumption according to Section 12 LFGB should be considered.

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct testing for tetrahydrocannabinol. We provide you with fast and reliable results.
For any questions, our customer advisors are happy to assist you.

Sources:

• https://www.bfr.bund.de/cm/343/curcumin-in-nahrungsergaenzungsmitteln-gesundheitlich-akzeptable-taegliche-aufnahmemenge-kann-ueberschritten-werden.pdf
• https://www.bfr.bund.de/de/a-z_index/tetrahydrocannabinol__thc_-5206.html 
• Journal of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (2023) 18:35-42