MFDS to Take Administrative Action Against Consumer Deception Using Edible Hemp Seeds

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced on the 23rd that it will actively take administrative actions such as correction orders if products using hemp seeds, which contain no hallucinogenic substances and can be used as food, are advertised as if they have hallucinogenic effects.

Under current law, hemp leaves, shells, and other parts containing hallucinogenic substances cannot be used as food ingredients. If used, they are subject to punishment under the Food Sanitation Act and the Narcotics Control Act.

However, hemp seeds with the shells completely removed (hemp seed) contain no hallucinogenic substances and can be used as food, and are excluded from regulation under the Narcotics Control Act. Hemp seed oil is sold at local agricultural cooperatives.

Recently, controversy arose as some cafes and others have been manufacturing and selling beverages using hemp seeds with phrases that mislead consumers into thinking they contain hallucinogenic substances.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety stated that if products using hemp seeds are advertised by displaying hemp leaves or using consumer experience reviews that evoke hallucinations, such advertisements may be considered deceptive to consumers, and they plan to conduct inspections accordingly.