The European Commission (EC) has stated in its latest review that the safety of nanomaterials should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
The regulator said in its second regulatory review on nanomaterials that these materials are similar to normal chemicals or substances of which some may be toxic or may not, reported Foodnavigator.com.
The review noted that the current risk assessment methods are applicable even though work on certain aspects of risk assessment is still needed.
The regulator agreed that there are certain limitations in assessment, which include the need for a case-by-case scientific approach when reviewing differences between bulk and various nanoforms of the same chemical substance. However, it stressed that it is possible to conduct risk assessments of nanomaterials.
Currently, the EC is working on detecting, measuring and monitoring methods for nanomaterials and their validation to ensure proper implementation of the definition. The nanomaterials are used as anticoagulants in food as well as plastic food contact materials. Silicon dioxide, carbon black and titanium nitride have been approved for use in plastic food contact materials.
