Pubdate: Thu, 13 Dec 2001 Source: Age, The (Australia) Copyright: 2001 The Age Company Ltd Contact: http://www.theage.com.au/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5 Author: Sophie Douez Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?330 (Hemp - Outside U.S.) HEMP NOW HIGH ON THE HEALTH AGENDA Hemp icecream and muffins could be sold in Australian supermarkets next year after assessments found that food products using industrial hemp are of nutritional benefit and pose no health risks. The Australia New Zealand Food Authority yesterday called for public comment on the legalisation of hemp foods after it released a draft assessment that found the benefits of hemp food products outweighed any costs. Scientific assessments undertaken by the authority over three years found they could provide an additional dietary source of unsaturated and essential fatty acids and did not produce any psychotropic effects. "You would have to actually consume a huge load for it to have any effect," a spokeswoman for the authority said. Industrial hemp contains about 0.5 per cent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC - the active ingredient in marijuana), compared to up to 15 per cent in those varieties used as a drug. "The rationale for seeking to market hemp foods in Australia is largely based on the favourable nutrient profile of hempseed-hempseed oil," the assessment said. Hempseed contains all amino acids, as well as a balance of essential fatty acids valuable in reducing blood cholesterol and regulating blood sugar levels, making it useful for diabetics. Overseas research has also suggested hemp can be beneficial in treating eczema. Phil Warner, managing director of Ecofibre Industries, a Brisbane-based company developing food products using hemp grown in Victoria and Tasmania, said Australia was the last Western nation to legalise hemp food products. Products such as hemp health bars, tofu, non-dairy cheeses, milks, biscuits and cakes are being manufactured internationally. Mr Warner said research conducted by the CSIRO estimated that in 25 years hemp could be a $15 billion industry for Australia. - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl