Food Industry Must Avert Nanotechnology Backlash

Food Industry Must Avert Nanotechnology Backlash

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Nanotechnology, which involves manipulating matter on an atomic or molecular scale, has many possible future applications in many industries, including the food industry. In 2000 Kraft Foods established the Nanotek Consortium, which involves 15 university and research labs. Nanotechnology could potentially lead to everything from improved emulsifiers in food to create a more uniform texture, to "interactive" food and drink that is customised to fit the tastes and needs of individual consumers.

The House of Lords report, Nanotechnologies and Food, highlights that there are significant gaps in the understanding of how nanomaterials impact on the human body, and that it is not currently possible to predict the risks presented by specific nanomaterials. There is only a limited amount of research looking at the toxicological impact of nanomaterials, and just one research team in the UK looking at the impact of nanomaterials on the gut.

The report admitted that there is no evidence that the use of nanotechnologies in food presents a clear and present danger to consumer safety, but said that public safety concerns should be dealt with by providing information about the products containing nanomaterials. However, it criticised the secretive attitude the food industry has demonstrated in its research, pointing out that this "is exactly the type of behaviour which may bring about the public reaction it is trying to avert."

Lord Krebs, who chaired the inquiry, said: "The use of nanotechnologies in food and food packaging is likely to grow significantly over the next decade. The technologies have the potential to deliver some significant benefits to consumers but it is important that detailed and thorough research into potential health and safety implications in this area is undertaken now to ensure that any possible risks are identified. The Government and Research Councils have a responsibility to ensure that this research takes place and must now take a proactive approach to identifying and funding appropriate research.

"The food industry must also be more open with the public about research it has undertaken in this area and where it sees nanomaterials being used in food production in the future. The lesson from the public reaction to GM foods is that secrecy breeds mistrust, and that openness and transparency are crucial to maintain public confidence.

"The public can expect to have access to information about the food they eat, but it is equally important that that information should be comprehensive and balanced. That is why we consider the right approach to providing information about nanomaterials in the food sector is through a public register, rather than by the blanket labelling of nanomaterials which may not be helpful in assisting consumers to make informed choices."

About the Author:
Food & Drink News and Information for Executives specializing in stories about Hospitality and Catering, Food Production, Retailing, Franchising and more on our online Food & Drink Digital Magazine.



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