Nanotechnology in UK food sector under review

The Science and Technology Sub-Committee on Nanotechnologies and Food said it is evaluating the use of the technology in the food sector at a time when its use in the production and manufacture of food and food packaging is in its infancy, with only a small number of products on the market globally.

The focus of the inquiry will be the use of the technology in food products, additives and supplements, as well as food contact packaging, food manufacturing processes, animal feed, pesticides and fertilizers.

A spokesperson for the House of Lords sub-committee told FoodProductionDaily.com that one of the triggers for the investigation was the fact that while this is an area of the food industry that is being researched and advanced at a rapid rate, regulation of the technology is not moving at the same speed.

He said evidence is being sought from both those who support and those who are opposed to the use of nanotechnology in the food industry on areas such as its potential applications and benefits, the risks posed to consumers and the level of public awareness of the use of this type of technology in this sector.

Submissions are also called for, he continued, in relation to the current status of nanotechnology research and development in the UK, how it compares to research being carried out in other countries, and whether the regulatory framework in this area is ‘fit for purpose’​.

Written evidence can be emailed to the clerk of the sub-committee up to the deadline date of 3 March 2009.

According to the spokesperson, public meetings will be held from spring, with European Commission representatives, government departments and nanotechnology research and development companies expected to give evidence at the hearings.

He said the Committee’s final report is scheduled to be published in autumn this year.

The Science and Technology Committee has around 15 members, re-appointed by the House for each session of parliament, with two sub committees charged with examining pertinent issues in the field. Members have included scientists, lawyers, economists and politicians.