Nano and food
Dossier: Nanos in food
By the AVICENN team – Last modification January 2023
In 2020, ANSES had identified more than 900 food products in which the presence of nanos is proven (the figure rises to 4,300 products including those with nanos whose presence can only be suspected). These nanos added in foodstuffs are mainly intended to improve the appearance of food (their color, texture), to modify the stability or fluidity of products in powder form or to increase the bioavailability of certain nutrients.
After a long collective work to which NGOs supported by AVICENN contributed, the additive E171 (containing nanoparticles of titanium dioxide) has been banned in food in France in 2020, then in all Europe from 2022.
However, if there is a European framework for nanomaterials in food, everything is still far from being under control, especially because of insufficient traceability (the r-nano register does not identify finished products containing nanomaterials).
The various product tests carried out by associations or the fraud control (DGCCRF) reveal the extent of the problem: very few nanos are labeled. Worse, some of them would be widely used and “off the radar” because they are covered by the labeling exemption for “processing aids”.
Who benefits from nanos in food, what are the risks for our health, what recommendations have been issued, what are the current or future initiatives in the field? Discover our file that we will complete and update according to the evolution of knowledge: your contributions are welcome!
Our news on the subject
The next nano meetings
- International Conference from June 22 to 23, 2023
- Organizers: OECD, German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection(BMUV)
- Website: https: //www.bmuv.de/…
- From July 3 to 15, 2023 in São Paulo
- Organizer: FABESP
- Application from November 18 to February 05. Registration fees and travel expenses are covered.
- Speakers: see the complete program here.
A comment, a question? This file realized by AVICENN is meant to be completed and updated. Please feel free to contribute.
This file was originally created in May 2013.