Nanotechnology in food
An explanation of nanotechnology, and how it's regulated when used in the production of food and food products.
Food consisting of, or containing, engineered nanomaterials is considered novel food. As such, it requires pre-market approval and authorisation before it can be legally placed on the market.
What is nanotechnology?
Engineered nanotechnology is a developing science. It is the manufacture and use of materials and structures in very small sizes, measured using the 'nanometre scale'. A nanometre is one-millionth of a millimetre.
Use of nanotechnology in food
Nanomaterials are not new. They could be used in food production to enhance the taste, colour, flavour, texture and consistency of a variety of foods, as well as their shelf life and traceability. A number of new processes and materials derived from nanotechnology can provide answers to such needs.
Regulation of nanotechnology in food applications
Before any novel food or ingredient made using nanotechnology can be legally marketed, it must undergo a safety assessment and approval.
At present, the regulation on novel foods doesn't state that particle size needs to be considered as part of the assessment. Updates to law may change this to make the stance on nanotechnology clearer.
In addition to the Novel Food Regulation, several other regulations cover the use of nanomaterials in the food sector, including:
- The Food Information to Consumers Regulation that sets the rules for the labelling of food ingredients. It requires that you must clearly indicate any engineered nanomaterials in food with 'nano' in brackets after its name in the ingredient list.
- The Food Additives Regulation lays down a list of approved food additives, enzymes and flavourings. If there are changes in the production process or in the starting materials of an already approved food additive, it will be considered a different additive and will need to be re-evaluated. A significant difference in the starting materials is, for example, a change in particle size, including through the use of nanotechnology.
- Several regulations that aim to make sure that harmful chemicals are not released into the food, such as the general food contact materials legislation, as well as the Plastic Food Contact Materials Regulation.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for the risk assessment of the use of nanomaterials in food and feed placed in the EU market, as well as in food contact materials. Read more about .
Under current operating arrangements for Northern Ireland, businesses seeking a new authorisation for novel foods placed on the NI market will continue to follow EU food rules. From Autumn 2023, the Windsor Framework will allow GB public health standards to apply for pre-packed retail goods moved via a new NI retail movement scheme and placed on the NI market. Therefore, goods moving via this route containing GB authorised products will be able to be placed on the NI market.
To apply for an authorisation of a novel food in Great Britain, use the UK's .
Research into nanotechnology
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has carried out research into new ways in which nanotechnology might affect food in the UK. The research considered:
- the potential chemical migration into food when materials and articles in contact with food use the technology
- the possible use of nanomaterials as food additives or ingredients
- consumer safety
- the need for regulatory controls
Read the FSA's reports on , the , and .