BURLINGTON, VT. — Ben & Jerry’s said it will launch ice cream infused with cannabidiol, or C.B.D., once the additive is legalized at the federal level.
The Food and Drug Administration has set a public hearing for May 31 on the legalization of cannabis-derived compounds, including C.B.D., in food and beverages. Ben & Jerry’s, a subsidiary of Unilever, said it has submitted comment on the issue.
Cannabis-infused food was named a hot trend in 2019 by three in four chefs in a National Restaurant Association survey.
“We’re doing this for our fans,” said Matthew McCarthy, chief executive officer of Ben & Jerry’s. “We’ve listened and brought them everything from non-dairy indulgences to on-the-go portions with our Pint Slices. We aspire to love our fans more than they love us, and we want to give them what they’re looking for in a fun, Ben & Jerry's way.”
The company is encouraging consumers to submit comments to the F.D.A. during the open comment window. The F.D.A. will receive public comments until July 2. Comments may be submitted electronically at www.regulations.gov. Written comments may be mailed to Dockets Management Staff (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. Submissions must include the Docket No. FDS-2019-D-0892.
Ben & Jerry’s said it plans to use sustainably sourced C.B.D. from Vermont. “Values-led sourcing” is an important part of the brand’s product development, Ben & Jerry’s said.
“We source our brownies from Greyston Bakery, which has an innovative open-door hiring policy, and our cookie dough comes from Rhino Foods, which employs refugees and sources its dairy locally from the St. Albans Co-op,” the company added.