The Burgeoning Hemp Beverage Market + Why is Tara Flour Unsafe? – Xtalks Food Podcast Ep. 163

The market for hemp beverages has been growing rapidly in recent years. The passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp production, boosted the market, allowing companies to explore hemp as a primary ingredient. In this episode of the Xtalks Food Podcast, Sydney talks about the hemp beverage market, which has seen a steady influx of new products, including hemp-infused teas, sparkling waters and protein shakes. The regulatory landscape for hemp in the US is complex and continually evolving and the legalization of hemp did not mean a free-for-all. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a crucial role in regulating hemp products, particularly those intended for consumption. The FDA’s stance has been cautious, focusing on ensuring that hemp beverages and other products are safe for consumers. Companies must navigate stringent guidelines regarding labeling, health claims and quality control. The team is skeptical of hemps health benefits and wonders whether hemp beverages will be considered functional beverages.

Also in this episode, Sydney talks about tara flour, an ingredient that has come under scrutiny following an FDA declaration that it is unsafe. The FDA’s assessment comes over two years after Daily Harvest’s French Lentil + Leek Crumbles product containing tara flour sickened nearly 400 people. This ruling, dated May 15, 2024, is only the 15th such declaration by the agency since 2010. The FDA stated that tara flour does not meet the standards of “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS), which food manufacturers can use to avoid a lengthy food additive approval process. Tara is grown for several purposes, including as a food additive that acts as a stabilizer or thickening agent. It is also high in protein — about 43 percent protein by weight — making it an ideal source of plant-based protein. Daily Harvest used tara flour in its product without first obtaining FDA approval, leading to 133 hospitalizations and a $23 million settlement with victims. The team asserts that not all plant-based protein sources are healthy or safe and wonders whether Daily Harvest and its supplier will face further legal action.

Read the full article here:

Hemp Beverages: How this Growing Market Navigates US Regulations

Tara Flour Safety Concerns Prompt FDA Action

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