Hemp possesses many properties that are beneficial to human health. Among the vegetable oils, hemp oil has the highest content of unsaturated fatty acids. Hemp seeds contain all 8 essential amino acids. Currently, hemp is gaining notable significance in food production, with products containing hemp seeds, flowers or oil becoming more readily available. Hemp is often present in food and dietary supplements, including hemp protein powder, hemp oil, hemp flour and others. However, these products often contain highly concentrated cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and derivatives.
Cannabinoids and Their Role in Food
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in the Cannabis sativa plant. More than 100 known cannabinoids exist. However, Cannabidiol (CBD) and THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) are the two most important cannabinoid components in the cannabis plant. All plant parts except seeds contain cannabinoids, with THC as the main psychoactive compound in cannabis.
The European Commission has endorsed the qualification of CBD as a Novel Food. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has postponed its scientific opinion on this substance due to a lack of data to make a conclusive safety assessment of CBD.
Cannabinoid Analysis, THC Testing, and Regulatory Compliance
Mérieux NutriSciences provides cannabinoid analysis and analytical solutions exclusively for industrial hemp products.
The marketability of hemp products is determined by their types and composition:
- Drug hemp: CBD-containing extracts from flowers and leaves
- Pharmaceuticals: CBD-containing products with highlighted health benefits
- Fibre hemp: Contains less THC and is more suitable for food applications
- Isolated or synthetic CBD products: Must be approved as novel foods before marketing
THC Regulation
Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 amending Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 sets the following maximum levels (expressed as the sum of Δ9-THC and Δ9-THCA):
- 3.0 mg/kg THC – for hemp seeds
- 3.0 mg/kg THC – for ground or defatted hemp seeds and related products
- 7.5 mg/kg THC – for hemp seed oil
This regulation entered into force on 1 September 2022 and applies across the European Union from 1 January 2023. Products lawfully placed on the market before this date may remain available until their durability or use-by date.
Our expertise in Cannabinoid Analysis and Hemp Product Testing
Mérieux NutriSciences offers comprehensive cannabinoid analysis services for food products derived from industrial hemp. These services include testing for THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids in compliance with European regulations.
Our Methods and Matrices
With our accredited laboratory, we leverage years of analytical experience, experts, and state-of-the-art analytical apparatus to provide tailor-made cannabinoid analysis solutions.
Using advanced chromatographic separation techniques and spectrometers (LC-MS/MS), we can analyze cannabinoids at trace levels. Internal standards are used to counter matrix effects and ensure the accuracy of results.
Our testing services cover:
- Hemp oils
- Hemp seeds and derived food products
- CBD-enriched food matrices
- Industrial hemp extracts
We also provide consultancy on regulatory limits and classification (food, novel food, pharmaceutical, etc.).
Hemp Quality Testing
To ensure product quality, we offer a full range of analytical testing services to support all hemp industry stakeholders — from cultivators to retailers, as well as manufacturers of hemp and finished CBD products.
Our testing capabilities include:
In addition, we provide expert support to help guarantee product quality on the market through:
Delta-8 THC and Delta-9THC Toxicological Evaluation and Legal Limits
According to EFSA’s new scientific opinion published in November 2025:
Considering the similarity in the effects and modes of action between delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC, EFSA scientists established that both chemicals have similar potency. They concluded that the acute reference dose (ARfD) set in 2015 for delta-9 THC should apply to the total amount of delta-8 THC and delta-9 THC consumed together. The ARfD is 1 microgram (1 millionth of a gram) per kilogram of body weight per day.
Delta-8 THC: EFSA sets safe intake level
- ARfD (Acute Reference Dose) for Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC: 1 µg/kg body weight/day
Additionally, under the German Narcotics Act, a product is classified as a narcotic if:
- THC content exceeds 0.2%, or
- Misuse for intoxication cannot be excluded
