The EU Commission’s Joint Research Centre has published a report recommending that regulatory organisations around the world work together to introduce guidance and safety standards on the use of nanotechnology in food and animal feed production.

Nanotechnology is an emerging science, which involves the manufacture and use of tiny particles (atoms and molecules). As with many new technologies, concerns about the potential environmental or human health impacts of various applications of nanotechnology - mostly do do with the possibility that tiny particles can harm the health of humans and other organisms - have led to debate about regulations and risk assessments of this broad range of novel technologies.

Conducting an investigation of the worldwide regulations in place that cover the use of nanotechnology in food, feed and farming, JRC researchers revealed that only the EU and Switzerland have nano-specific provisions in place in existing legislation, whereas other countries count on non-legally binding guidance and standards for industry. They warned that more collaboration between countries is needed to ensure that people and the environment are adequately protected.

Although there is evidence of certain nanoparticles used in industry affecting human health, and indications that some could cause environmental damage, opponents of stringent regulations have said that binding legislation in this area could ‘stifle’ a young field of technology, which has received millions in government funding across the world.

The UK Food Standards Agency has said that any use of nanotechnology in the food and feed industries would be covered by the EU ‘Novel Foods Regulation' to ensure products are safe.

JRC said nanotechnology could potentially be applied in the food and farming sectors, particularly in the areas of food and feed treatment, processing and food contact or preparation areas. Elsewhere, there is scope for nanotechnology to deliver more efficient agrochemicals, more secure packaging or products to enhance nutrient uptake in plants.

However, JRC authors said that these will need to be proven safe before they can be brought to market and some countries still have more to do in examining whether their regulatory frameworks are appropriate for assessing the applications of nanotechnologies.

The analysis by JRC and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) shows that the EU along with Switzerland are the only ones which have introduced binding nanomaterial definitions or specific provisions for some nanotechnology applications. As an example, authors gave EU labelling requirements for food ingredients that contain 'engineered nanomaterials'.