Tag: nanotechnology
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EFSA Seeks Public Comment on Nanotechnology
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has opened a public consultation period on draft guidance for the agency’s risk assessment of nanoscience and nanotechnology applications in human and animal food. The draft, intended to update the 2011 guidance, will include coverage of novel foods, food contact materials, food and feed additives and pesticides. It also…
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French Agency Finds Unlabeled Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Food
The Direction générale de la concurrence, de la consommation et de la répression des fraudes (DGCCRF), a French agency for consumer affairs and fraud prevention, has reportedly tested samples of consumer goods throughout France and found titanium dioxide in 17 of the 19 samples. DGCCRF reportedly found nanoparticles in confectionery, sauces, spices, cake toppings and…
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EPA Issues Working Guidance on Nanotechnology Reporting
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued working guidance on its Section 8(a) Information Gathering Rule on Nanomaterials in Commerce for the agency’s Final Nanotechnology Reporting and Record-Keeping Requirements Rule, which became effective August 14, 2017. The rule has been modified to eliminate: (i) exemptions for nanoclays, zinc oxide, nanocellulose and naturally occurring nanomaterials…
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CRS Issues Nanotechnology Policy Primer
A new report from the public policy research arm of the U.S. Congress provides an overview of federal research and development (R & D) in nanotechnology; environmental, health and safety concerns; and U.S. competitiveness in the field. According to the Congressional Research Service, Congress has appropriated nearly $21.8 billion for nanotechnology R & D since…
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EFSA Panel Recommends Further Assessment of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Food
Responding to a request from the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA’s) Panel for Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM Panel) has published a statement on the presences of microplastics and nanoplastics in food, particularly seafood. According to the CONTAM panel, microplastics range in size from 0.1 to 5,000…
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British Agency to Hold Workshop on Novel Foods and Processes
The Food Standards Agency’s independent Advisory Committee on Novel Foods and Processes (ACNFP) will host a February 4, 2016, workshop in London. Breakout sessions will target (i) the food-medicine continuum; (ii) alternative proteins, e.g., insects and in vitro meat production; and (iii) engineered nanomaterials. Registrations are requested by January 14, 2016. See ACNFP News Release,…
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Microscopic Plastics Reportedly Detected in Table Salt
A study examining table salts sold in China has purportedly found that many brands contain microscopic plastic particles such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene and cellophane. Dongqi Yang, et al., “Microplastic Pollution in Table Salts from China,” Environmental Science & Technology, October 2015. Relying on samples obtained from Chinese supermarkets, researchers report that microplastic content was…
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FDA Issues Guidance About Nanomaterials in Food for Animals
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued guidance for industry about the agency’s “current thinking regarding the use of nanomaterials or the application of nanotechnology in food for animals.” According to FDA, the recommendations are intended to assist industry and other stakeholders identify potential safety or regulatory status issues. See Federal Register, August…