NIHC announces effort to strengthen testing standards, CBD labels
The National Industrial Hemp Council, or NIHC, announced recently that it plans to roll out a pilot program establishing standards for product testing protocols and laboratories.
Participants in the program will be able to label products with the NIHC label of approval, ensuring the accuracy of product labeling that will set standards for ingredients and, ultimately, strengthening consumer confidence in CBD products that they’re buying.
“We’re excited for this program that we believe is going to strengthen consumer confidence, promote accuracy in labeling and, ultimately, protect the brand of hemp,” said Patrick Atagi, president and CEO of the National Industrial Hemp Council. “Since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, consumers have been waiting for the FDA to act on CBD. Without any guidance from the FDA thus far, NIHC is stepping up to develop our own testing standards and labeling protocols that we believe will enhance consumer safety and protect the consumer’s right to know.”
This label will bring value to the marketplace and integrity to products sold nationwide in stores and online, NIHC said. The council also is exploring testing standards and third-party verification laboratory requirements that will be applicable when testing for potency, pesticides, metals, terpenes and other product attributes. A critical part of the program will include using third-party accreditation bodies to verify that laboratories are following the appropriate testing protocols and properly calibrating their equipment, and that those running the tests are properly trained.
[Read more: California establishes framework for CBD in supplements, other products]
“As one of North America’s leading food and consumer product testing companies, FSNS is pleased to lead this effort,” said Barry Carpenter, NIHC board member, NIHC Standards Committee chair, and senior advisor of regulatory affairs and client relations at Food Safety Net Services, or FSNS. “This initiative will bring value to the marketplace and peace of mind to the consumer with reliable and transparent information about CBD products."