ASTM International Sets New Standard Aids for Hempseed Quality

ASTM International’s cannabis committee (D37) has approved a new standard that will provide a method for rapid, visual, on-site assessment of hemp seed spoilage. The new standard, Standard Guide for Assessing Spoilage of Hemp Seed Intended for Human Consumption (D8400), will assist in managing food quality and productivity while maintaining consumer safety.

ASTM International member Terry Grajczyk, Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance, said that the new standard is geared toward those who store hempseed for later processing into food or food ingredients.

“We want farmers, food companies, consumers, and all the links in between to know that this guide is supported by their sector as an achievable and credible way to assess potential spoiling and help their business deliver acceptable products,” said Grajczyk.

Grajczyk notes that the new standard outlines procedures to prepare hempseed for visual color comparison to a color chart and to adapt if needed to each company’s or farmer’s quality management of stored hempseed. Companies can add their decision trees on what to do if hempseed is close to spoiling and look for alternative uses if needed.

“Avoiding spoilage of hempseed and eventual throwaway of product can be proactive way to responsibly avoid wastage of would-be food products,” said Grajczyk. “The establishment of clear standards creates common terms of trade in domestic and international markets.”

This effort directly relates to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #12 on responsible consumption and production, among others.

To learn more about cannabis committee participation and membership, visit www.astmcannabis.org.

ASTM International is a not-for-profit nongovernmental organization that develops voluntary consensus standards and defers to appropriate government authorities to determine the legal and regulatory framework regarding the control and use of cannabis.