Currently no intentionally produced nanomaterials are used in food & feed applications in the EU. The occurring nanomaterials are byproducts of the production process of approved food additives such as silicon dioxide. In Asia and North America however, nanomaterials are used specifically in food products, e.g. for the encapsulation of vitamins. Based on the majority of existing studies, current approved food additives pose no health risk for humans. Since EU law allows only harmless (safe) additives to be used in food, every food additive has to be tested and legally approved prior to any products’ application. This decision is based on latest developments in science and technology and is therefore constantly under revision.
- For more information on this topic, please refer to the article in our cross cutting section “Nanomaterials in Food”