The nation's food ministers have rejected advice from Australia's food standards agency that hemp be allowed to be used in food.

Hemp is a species of cannabis, but unlike marijuana contains no or very low levels of the mind-altering chemical compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

It is used in Australia in clothing and building products, but cannot be used in food.

In 2012, Food Standards Australia New Zealand approved an application to permit the inclusion of hemp in food. Food Ministers asked the agency to review its decision, which the agency reaffirmed, noting that foods derived from hemp seeds did not present any safety concerns.

But at a meeting in Auckland on Friday, food ministers resolved to reject the decision, meaning that the sale of foods containing hemp remains banned.