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No Hemp for Horses: Says the FDA
US health authorities have issued a warning to companies that are marketing hemp CBD as a food supplement or medicine for small and large pets such as horses. The FDA claims that the safety of CBD products, when offered to animals has not been ascertained. The FDA statement read in part:
“While the FDA does not know the current extent of CBD use in food-producing animals, the agency is taking steps regarding these unapproved and potentially unsafe products now to help protect animals and the safety of the food supply.”
Consequently, warning letters have been issued to three companies that have allegedly been marketing hemp-derived CBD as beneficial for pets. The companies that have received the warning letters are:
- Plantacea of Las Vegas
- Hope Botanicals of Dallas
- Haniel Concepts of Kansas
Interestingly, a recent study conducted by researchers from the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine showed that hemp helps cattle de-stress. The cattle that were fed hemp were able to lower down for longer periods and consequently produced more milk.
CBD bloggers may need to rethink their strategy and find ways to present CBD in a way that doesn't contravene the FD&C Act. One of the incriminating blogs was titled: “Ultimate Guide to Using CBS for Horses.”
The FDA has given the companies up to 15 days to pull down the false marketing claims or to stop selling the products altogether.
