The new definition of nanomaterials in food definitively approved in mid-May?
The European Commission has just adopted its new definition of “nanomaterials” in the Novel Foods Regulation. But it’s not all over yet. Between now and mid-May, the European Parliament and the Council can vote objections, and one (or more) Member State(s) can also bring an action for annulment. Suspense then! AVICENN will keep a close eye on this dossier and update the information below as it becomes available…
The new definition was adopted by the Commission on March 14.
The European Commission announced today on its dedicated website that it has adopted a delegated act to modify the definition of the term “nanomaterial” in its food legislation, two months after the end of its consultation on the subject.
As a reminder, depending on the definition adopted, many ingredients could in future no longer be covered by the labelling obligation [nano], even though they contain nanoparticles, some of which are potentially dangerous for consumers.
More news soon…
AVICENN (who had responded to the consultation1 Click here to read our contribution posted on January 12, 2024 on the Commission’s website as well as other NGOs, ANSES, the French authorities, etc.) is awaiting the final version of the text adopted today, and will update this article shortly.
It’s not all over yet. Between now and mid-May, the European Parliament and the Council can vote objections, and one (or more) Member State(s) can also bring an action for annulment.
To be continued…
[Update: on April 24, the European Parliament voted an objection. See our article on this vote which invalidates the Commission’s delegated act.]
Les prochains RDV nano
- International Conference on Advanced Nanotechnology and Nano Materials
- September 22 & 23, 2025
- Website: https://advnanotech.authorsequity.org
- 15th Meeting on Nanoscience Advances (MNA 2025)
- Organized by: C’Nano (CNRS), Aix-Marseille University
- Dates: from September 29th to October 2nd
- Website: https://cnano-paca.fr/conf/mna2025/index.html
- Training for nanomaterial handlers (technicians, engineers, PhD students, researchers, etc.) and prevention assistants
- Organizers: CNRS
- Objectives: learn about the risks involved in handling nanomaterials and the prevention and protection measures to be implemented, as well as best practices for limiting exposure.
- Topics covered:
- Health effects / Risk assessment
- Preventive measures / Good laboratory practice / Time and space management / Collective and individual protection / Cleaning methods for surfaces, materials and equipment / Product storage / Product management
- Hands-on workshops:
- Implementing best practices when handling nanometric powders / Case studies / Assessment & recommendations
- Case studies: risk analysis and recommendations
- Examples of workstation design involving nanomaterials
- Website: https://formation.ifsem.cnrs.fr/training/1027/4426
Notes and references
- 1Click here to read our contribution posted on January 12, 2024 on the Commission’s website