CHAPTER 11: Infinitesimal Ingredients: An Analysis of the Regulatory Dimensions of Nanotechnologies in Foods and Food Contact Materials

Chapter 11 discusses the regulatory challenges facing the use of nanotechnologies and nanomaterials in foods and food contact materials in the different jurisdictions of the globe (the EU, USA, Australia and New Zealand). The field is rapidly evolving as an increasing number of applications gain public acceptance due to their pronounced benefits. The regulatory agencies are stepping up their activities to make sure that these developments do not occur in a regulatory vacuum. This fast progress carries some uncertainties over the potential for new risks that may result from exposure to nanomaterials, hence the regulators need to establish clear-cut boundaries for the use of these products and applicable rules to provide legal certainty and consumer confidence. The chapter provides an overview of the existing regulatory framework in the selected jurisdictions and describes current progress in developing evidence-based regulations to support safety assessment, pre-market authorization and consumer information in relation to the nanomaterials used in food production and storage. This progress is closely scrutinized by different regulatory agencies and civil society groups and it is likely that, as the technology matures, the supporting regulatory framework will need to be revisited.