Current application for Hemp as food in Aust needs our support

[MongyMan]

Australia mulls lifting ban on hemp foods

 

SYDNEY — Australia's food watchdog said Wednesday it may lift its ban on food derived from hemp, with the man pushing for change promising cannabis ice-cream if successful.

 

Hemp foods are widely available in many overseas markets, including Europe, Canada and the United States, and deregistered Sydney doctor Andrew Katelaris has applied for the rules to be overturned in Australia.

 

Katelaris, who was struck off for supplying medical marijuana to patients, said the seeds of industrial hemp contained more Omega 3 acids than seafood.

 

"We're looking at making ice cream and health food bars," he told The Australian newspaper.

 

"Our vision is that anything you can do with soy beans or dairy you can do better with hemp seed."

 

Food Standards Australia New Zealand has conducted a safety assessment to determine if there were any risks associated with eating hemp foods, and found none.

 

"Hemp seeds, which are the main part of the hemp plant utilised as a food source, have a favourable nutritional profile and may offer an alternative plant source for a range of nutrients," it said on its website.

 

But it remains concerned that advertisers could claim that hemp foods have psychoactive properties and that consumption of them could result in positive drug test results.

 

"These issues need to be discussed by the broader community, including, consumers, the hemp industry, food regulators and other interested parties," it said, adding that it was seeking public comment.

Story from here

 

 

Peace MongyMan

[Innocent criminal]

Wow! Could we be seeing a realistic scientific appraisal from a government organisation?? Never thought I'd see the day!

Good to see Katelaris hasn't completely dropped off the map either, the man has cojones, he deserves a break.

[Nooby]

And for those wishing to support the initiative you can get the submission here:

Comment sought on requested changes to the food code.

 

(15 March 2011)

 

Changes involving the irradiation of persimmons and the use of low THC hemp for food are being considered by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).

 

FSANZ today announced a period of public comment on two requests for changes to the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code– the regulations governing the sale of food sold in Australia and New Zealand.

 

Chief Executive Officer, Steve McCutcheon, said FSANZ’s responsibility was to ensure that irradiated persimmons and the use of hemp in food should be safe for consumers.

 

“FSANZ welcomes comments from government agencies, public health professionals, industry and the community on issues raised in a consultation paper for the hemp application and on an assessment report on persimmon irradiation,†Mr McCutcheon said.

 

Further details on the consultation paper and assessment report can be found below. Submissions should reach FSANZ by 27 April 2011.

http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/scienceandeducation/newsroom/mediareleases/mediareleases2011/15311commentsoughtto5096.cfm

Edited March 16, 2011 by Oz
Added quote

[dani]

Could be a start.. Just the fact a story on the medical and general benefits of cannabis is being published in mainstream media, without the usual hysterical reporting is a good thing. Anything further such as funding for scientific research though would probably still be a long way off

[..............................]

 

Good to see Katelaris hasn't completely dropped off the map either, the man has cojones, he deserves a break.

 

 

Dr Katelaris will be at MG 2011!

[Dustbuster57]

Hi, I just found out that there is an application with the Food Standards Authourity for Australia and New Zealand for Low THC hemp for food in Australia.

 

John Howard and Tony Abbot stepped in a few years ago and rejected the approval that was recommended by the standards authority at the time. They were concerned that it would send a mixed message to our youth. Personally I believe that truthful education fixes that.

 

To read a bit more about this go to http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/scienceandeducation/newsroom/mediareleases/mediareleases2011/15311commentsoughtto5096.cfm The application is #A1039 and submissions from the public close this April.

 

The Food Standards people would like this approved but stand a better chance with a high number of positive submissions. It only takes a few minutes to do.

 

We are the only country that doesn't have Hemp approved as a food. This can be a great way to start to educate the public with the truth of this plant and all of it's benefits and so helping the cause to legalize.

 

Please get all your mates onto this, our voices need to be heard. With governments it really is the squeaky wheel that get's oiled.

 

Thanks for you time Ladies and Gentlemen. Respect.

[DarkSpark]

Go Dr. K !

 

Definitely made a strong point last year, although i question if maybe he went a tad over the top with his verbal assault on the cops xD

 

Any word on the hemp houses they were doing something like 6 per year last MG when i saw the info session, Hemp seed is really tasty too ! i bet hemp seed would make better milks and ice creams than soy does !

 

Sad that i cant get down this year i want to catch back up with all the guys but shit happens eh.

[KAPOW]

the stuff they can make sounds tasty

[KAPOW]

icecream would be interesting