Holland & Barrett Bows to FSA Pressure and Temporarily Removes CBD Products From Shelves

Holland & Barrett has temporarily ceased the sale of certain CBD products that do not align with the Food Standards Agency's (FSA) newly reduced daily dosage recommendation. This decision follows the FSA's recent move to decrease the maximum daily dosage of CBD products from 70 mg to 10mg.

The health food retailer has taken this step as a precautionary measure to ensure its customers receive the most up-to-date guidance on the safe usage of CBD products, both for short-term and long-term use.

A spokesperson for Holland & Barrett explained their approach, stating, “We are currently assessing the latest voluntary guidelines issued by the FSA regarding recommended daily dosages for ingestible CBD products. Although the sale of these products remains legal, we are taking this temporary action out of an abundance of caution. We are withdrawing certain products that do not permit customers to limit their daily intake to 10mg.”

This temporary measure is aimed at updating the product descriptions on their website and retraining their staff to respond to customer inquiries effectively. The company is committed to collaborating with the FSA and the broader industry to share safety-related data, particularly as the FSA continues to evolve its stance on this matter.

Among the products temporarily removed from sale are CBD-infused drinks where a single serving exceeds the 10mg limit, as well as CBD gummies that provide more than the recommended daily dosage in a single sweet.

At present, products such as CBDfx gummies, which contain 25mg per piece, and Trip's CBD drinks, offering 15mg of CBD per 250ml can, are unavailable for purchase on Holland & Barrett's website.

The Grocer has reached out to the affected brands for their comments. In total, Holland & Barrett has removed 31 products from sale, both online and in their physical stores.

When contacted by The Grocer, other retailers, including Tesco and Waitrose, referred to the British Retail Consortium, which has stated that its members will adhere to all FSA guidance regarding the sale of CBD oil products and take their responsibilities concerning these products seriously.

This move by Holland & Barrett comes after the FSA's decision to reduce the recommended maximum CBD dosage, citing evidence that prolonged use of products exceeding this limit may have adverse effects on the liver and thyroid.

This story was originally reported by The Grocer.