As of the FSA's August 2026 update, no CBD food products had been fully authorized in England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland. In September, the agency put forward its first three proposed authorizations for ministerial consideration. Those were proposals, not final decisions.
For shoppers, the immediate question is how much CBD they may consume across products in a day. The FSA advises healthy adults to keep intake to no more than 10 milligrams daily. It also warns that long-term use may carry health risks.
The FSA's 10mg daily figure is a provisional safety level for healthy adults-not a recommended serving size or a guarantee that a CBD product is safe for everyone.
What the 10mg guidance means
The 10mg figure is based on a healthy adult weighing 70 kilograms. It reflects a provisional acceptable daily intake of 0.15mg per kilogram of body weight. The FSA treats it as the maximum combined exposure from all food sources, not a separate allowance for each drink, gummy or supplement.
There is one important detail about the formulation. The FSA's scientific assessment ties this level to CBD products made with isolate that is at least 98% pure. That does not mean every product labelled CBD has the same composition. Check the CBD amount per serving, the serving size and the number of servings. Add the amounts from any other CBD products you consume. If a label gives only the total weight of a blend and does not state the CBD amount, the actual dose is unclear.
Claims Check: The FSA's provisional level is 0.15mg per kilogram of body weight per day for healthy adults, or 10mg for a 70kg adult. It applies to combined exposure from food sources and is linked in the assessment to CBD isolate with at least 98% purity; it is not a universal safe dose for every person or formulation.
The FSA says 10mg is roughly four to five drops of 5% CBD oil. But drop counts are useful only when the product's concentration and serving instructions are clear. At a café or market stall, ask how much CBD is in the whole serving. If the seller cannot say, you cannot reliably compare it with the daily guidance.
The FSA's chief scientific adviser, Prof Robin May, has warned that greater lifetime CBD consumption may increase the likelihood of long-term adverse effects, including liver damage or thyroid issues. The agency says the risk is related to the amount consumed. Check the dose, not just the wellness claims.
Products on shelves are not necessarily authorized
CBD ingredients in food are treated as novel foods in the UK. Some products already on sale may remain on the market under a transitional arrangement if they were marketed before the relevant deadline and their makers applied for authorization. A listing for consideration does not mean a product has been approved or endorsed as safe. The FSA said the work had progressed but required careful consideration of scientific, legal and operational factors. The agency recorded this in its FSA board minutes.
CBD is not THC, the intoxicating cannabis compound, and pure CBD is not intoxicating. Some CBD foods may contain trace THC, though, so the ingredient name alone does not tell you the full cannabinoid profile. Check the ingredient information. A CBD claim does not verify what's in the product.
Consumer interest is substantial. Nearly 20% of adults surveyed by the FSA in 2025 said they had tried CBD in the previous 12 months. The figure was 31% among adults aged 18 to 34.
Evidence and safety deserve more weight than wellness claims
Some prescription CBD medicines can help with specific conditions. They are not interchangeable with CBD-infused foods and drinks. Prof Harry Sumnall of Liverpool John Moores University has said there is no good scientific evidence that over-the-counter CBD products provide health benefits. He has also said many high-street products contain too little CBD to approach doses used in clinical medicine. Claims such as clean energy, detox or immune support are not proof of an effect. The product's disclosed ingredients and amounts matter.
The FSA advises people under 18, people taking prescription medication, and anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive to avoid CBD. People taking regular medication should consult a medical professional before using it. Reported side effects can include nausea, fatigue and irritability. The World Health Organization says pure CBD does not appear to have abuse potential. Dependence on CBD has not been identified.
Before buying, check the CBD amount per serving, the full ingredients list, and the business's name and contact address. A serving-size statement is useful only if it lets you work out your intake. A proprietary blend or vague dose claim can hide how much CBD is present. Be cautious of medical claims, do not exceed the FSA's guidance, and do not use CBD foods instead of prescribed medicine. The NHS also cautions that products sold online may have unknown quality and contents and could be illegal or dangerous.
Evidence for everyday CBD products is limited, dose information may be missing, and authorization remains unresolved. Treat CBD as an uncertain ingredient. Check the serving amount carefully, and avoid products whose contents cannot be verified.
