The new definition of nanomaterials in food definitively approved in mid-May?

Newsflash
food definition

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

14
Déc.
2025
Nano Rumeurs (C’Nano, Paris – France)
Paris
Conference
  • Spectacle Art & Science – When science changes as it passes from mouth to mouth
  • A unique participatory experience centered on the human factory of knowledge, where two fascinating worlds meet: nanomedicine, with its nanoparticles and cellular nanovectors, and quantum physics, with its superimposed states and complex systems.
  • Organizers: Centre National de Compétences en Nanosciences (C’Nano), in collaboration with the Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique (CEA), the Institut Polytechnique de Paris (IPP) and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS).
  • Speakers: Florence Gazeau, academician, physicist, research director at CNRS, and Charles Antoine, PhD in physics, lecturer at Sorbonne University, and Albert Moukheiber, PhD in neuroscience.
  • Location: Théâtre de la Ville
  • Website: https: //www.theatredelaville-paris.com/…/rencontres/nano-rumeurs…

2
Juin
2026
Emerging pathologies and risks (CNMST 2026, Lyon – France)
Lyon
Congress
health
health
occupational health
prevention
risks
  • 8th Congress of Occupational Medicine and Health (CNMST 2026)
  • Theme 5: Emerging pathologies and risks, Mr Henri Bastos (ANSES), Pr Lynda Bensefa-Colas (AP-HP), Dr Catherine Nisse (CHU Lille)
  • Website: www.medecine-sante-travail.com
26
Juin
2026
Nanomaterials and Health (ANSES, Maisons-Alfort)
Maisons-Alfort
Dialogue Committee

Notes and references

  • 1
    Click here to read our contribution posted on January 12, 2024 on the Commission’s website