Analysis of THC, CBD and other cannabinoids in food

New EU maximum levels for THC in hemp leaves and hemp infusions adopted

Sep. 2026 (Update). The European Union has established new maximum levels for Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) in hemp leaves and hemp infusions through Regulation (EU) 2026/1828 ^[6]. Published on 29 July 2026, the Regulation supplements the existing THC maximum levels set out in the Contaminants Regulation (EU) 2023/915 ^[1] for hemp seeds and products derived from them. Both Δ9-THC and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Δ9-THCA) are taken into account and expressed as Δ9-THC equivalents.

New maximum levels from 1 January 2027

• Hemp leaves intended for water-based infusions (tea preparation): 40 mg/kg
• Ready-to-drink hemp leaf infusions, including herbal teas containing hemp leaves: 0.02 mg/kg

Additional labelling requirements

For hemp leaves intended for the preparation of infusions, the following mandatory consumer statements will also be introduced:

• Use only for preparing water-based infusions.
• Not suitable for infants and young children.
• No fatty ingredients (e.g. milk or cream) may be added during preparation.

The Regulation entered into force on 18 August 2026 and will apply from 1 January 2027. Transitional provisions are in place for products that were lawfully placed on the market before this date, allowing them to remain on the market until stocks are exhausted.

One of the key drivers behind these new requirements is the scientific re-evaluation of cannabinoids by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). On 18 November 2025, EFSA published its assessment of Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC) and its occurrence in food. Δ8-THC is an isomer of Δ9-THC and exhibits comparable mechanisms of action as well as similar toxicological properties. Consequently, a common acute reference dose (ARfD) of 1 µg/kg body weight was established for the combined sum of Δ8-THC and Δ9-THC.

In addition, EFSA recommended updating the risk assessment for Δ9-THC, conducting further investigations into the transfer of Δ8-THC into foods of animal origin, and carrying out studies on the potential formation of Δ8-THC during food processing and storage. The newly adopted THC maximum levels for hemp leaves and hemp infusions represent another important step towards the harmonisation of food legislation and the strengthening of consumer protection within the European Union.

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Analysis of THC, CBD and other cannabinoids

Our experts from the Competence Centre for organic contaminants within the global Eurofins laboratory network already have many years of experience in LC-MS/MS analysis of organic compounds at trace levels. For the analysis of cannabinoids in food, state-of-the-art chromatographic separation techniques in combination with the latest and most sensitive mass spectrometers are available (LC-ESI-MS/MS). The use of internal standards represents the status quo in terms of precision and accuracy of the analytical results obtained. The daily measurement of calibration standards and food reference materials for critical control of the analysis are additional quality standards that increase the safety of the analysis.

In addition to the analysis of Δ9-THC, Δ9-THC acid and its sum as well as the analysis of CBD, our offer additionally includes the analysis of a wide range of other cannabinoids:

• Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC)
• Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Δ9-THCA)
• Δ8-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC)
• Sum Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol
• Cannabidiol (CBD)
• Cannabichromene (CBC)
• Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA)
• Cannabidivarin (CBDV)
• Cannabidivarinic acid (CBDVA)
• Cannabigerol (CBG)
• Cannabigerolic acid (CBG-A)
• Cannabinol (CBN)
• Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)

Eurofins currently offers analyses for hemp-containing foodstuffs. The analysis of consumer cannabis according to the German Cannabis Act is also part of our portfolio.