Germany to survey risks of nano-foods

Filed in archive Government on June 25, 2006

Germany's food safety risk assessment agency has commissioned a study on the potential health effects of nanotechnologies used in food, cosmetics and other everyday items, according to a report at Food Production Daily:

So far nanotechnology has made minor inroads in the food and drink industry, mainly due to consumers' fears about the unknown risks the technology poses to their health. However food companies see great opportunity in the technology as a means of introducing innovative products to the market. Surveys like the one in Germany may either heighten consumer fears about the technology or serve to lessen them, depending on the findings.

The outcome could also be new regulations for the food sector relating to the use of nanotechnology.

The German Federal Institute of Risk Assessment (BfR) has commissioned the University of Stuttgart to conduct the survey which will be performed by ZIRN (Centre of Interdisciplinary Risk-science and Sustainable Development of Technology). It will involve about 100 experts from science, industry, public authorities and non-governmental organisations.

A questionnaire will focus on questions relating to current and future applications and potential risks. This information will be debated further in two workshops before being consolidated into a "risk-barometer" to be used to better inform public authorities.

BfR is responsible for identifying and assessing potential risks to consumers from foods, feedstuffs, chemicals and consumer products. It is also responsible for proposing risk reduction measures to political circles and informing the general public about them.