Nanotechnology
offers promise for the development of innovative products and applications
in industrial sectors such as agricultural production, animal feed and
treatment,
food processing and food contact materials. © aleks traksel,
Fotolia.com
(September 11, 2015) An
overview of regulatory solutions worldwide on the use of nanotechnology in food
and feed production shows a differing approach: only the EU and Switzerland
have nano-specific provisions incorporated in existing legislation, whereas
other countries count on non-legally binding guidance and standards for
industry. Collaboration among countries across the globe is required to share
information and ensure protection for people and the environment, according to
a JRC co-authored paper.
The paper Regulatory aspects of nanotechnology in the
agri/feed/food sector in EU and non-EU countries reviews how potential risks or
the safety of nanotechnology are managed in different countries around the
world and recognises that this may have implication on the international market
of nano-enabled agricultural and food products.
Nanotechnology offers substantial prospects for the
development of innovative products and applications in many industrial sectors,
including agricultural production, animal feed and treatment, food processing
and food contact materials. While some applications are already marketed, many
other nano-enabled products are currently under research and development, and
may enter the market in the near future. Expected benefits of such products
include increased efficacy of agrochemicals through nano-encapsulation,
enhanced bioavailability of nutrients or more secure packaging material through
microbial nanoparticles.