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

1
Juin
2025
Controlling the risks associated with nanomaterials (CEA, Online)
On line
Training
  • E-learning program: awareness-raising for personnel who come into contact with nanomaterials during research, formulation, production, maintenance, cleaning, upkeep, etc., as well as safety coordinators or engineers, facility managers, heads of laboratories where nanoparticles are handled.
  • Organizers: INSTN Grenoble (CEA)
  • On the program:
    • 1 – Introduction, definition and characteristics of nanomaterials
    • 2 – Toxicity of nanomaterials: the state of knowledge
    • 3 – Metrology and characterization of nanomaterials
    • 4 – Prevention and protection against nanomaterials in the workplace
    • 5 – Quiz: assessment of learning outcomes
  • The 2-hour course can be viewed for one month from the date of registration.
  • Website: https://instn.cea.fr/…risques-lies-aux-nanomateriaux…
1
Juin
2025
Applications of Nanomaterials to Sustainably Address Water, Food, and Health (Newry, Maine – United States)
Newry, Maine
Conference
11
Juin
2025
Risk assessment of nanomaterials and materials containing small/nanoparticles in the food and feed chain (EFSA, Brussels & online)
On line
Workshop
additives
food
characterization
detection
  • Workshop on risk assessment of nanomaterials and materials containing small/nanoparticles in the food and feed chain
  • Organizer: EFSA
  • This workshop will present the proposed strategy for updating the EFSA Nano Guidance documents, aiming to merge them into a single guidance on risk assessment for nanomaterials and small/nanoparticles in the food and feed chain.
    The event will provide an open platform for discussing key issues, approaches to addressing them, and ensuring the guidance reflects the latest scientific knowledge. Stakeholders will be encouraged to share experiences and engage with regulators, helping shape the updated guidance.
  • Website: www.efsa.europa.eu/en/events/workshop-risk-assessment-nanomaterials-and-materials-containing-smallnanoparticles-food-and

Notes and references

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