New "novel food" regulation tackles nanomaterial ingredients

THE issue on nanoparticles and labeling of such materials on food products took the spotlight in the recently concluded Second International Fresenius Conference on “Nanotechnology in Food” held last 9-10 September in Cologne, Germany.

Milestones in nanomaterials regulations and insights about public perception were discussed during the two-day conference. Although different pieces of legislation currently address nanomaterial, with the EU Food Information to Consumers Regulation (FIC) requiring the labeling of engineered nanomaterials on foodstuff, the present definition of engineered nanomaterials as used in the context of FIC has remained the subject of criticism for some time.

To match the definition with current technical and scientific progress, the European Commission is looking to align it with the definition set out in the Commission Recommendation in 2011, SirkkuHeinimaa (European Commission) explained in Cologne. This revised definition continues to refer to “engineered nanomaterial” and does not cover natural or incidentally manufactured nanomaterial.

Another EU initiative in the field of nanotechnology centers on a new Novel Food Regulation.

The Commission’s proposal uses the same FIC definition of engineered nanomaterials. According to the plan, foods with engineered nanomaterials will be classified as "novel” if not consumed to a significant degree by humans prior to 15 May 1997.

The novel foods spectrum will also include vitamins, minerals, and other substances that have been changed to nanoform.

The European Parliament will vote on the new regulation in October. If the new regulation is adopted, the Commission will need to provide new guidance regarding nanomaterials in the context of the regulation revision.