Guidance on the risk assessment of the application of nanoscience and nanotechnologies in the food and feed chain

The European Food Safety Authority has developed a practical approach for assessing potential risks arising from applications of nanoscience and nanotechnologies in the food and feed chain. Guidance is provided on: (i) the physico-chemical characterisation requirements of engineered nanomaterials used e.g. as food additives, enzymes, flavourings, food contact materials, novel foods, feed additives and pesticides and; (ii) testing approaches to identify and characterise hazards arising from the nanoproperties which, in general, should include information from in vitro genotoxicity, absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion and repeated-dose 90-day oral toxicity studies in rodents. The guidance allows for reduced information to be provided when no exposure to the engineered nanomaterial is verified by data indicating no migration from food contact materials or when complete degradation/dissolution is demonstrated with no absorption of engineered nanomaterials as such. The guidance indicates uncertainties that should be considered to perform a risk assessment. As this sector is under fast development, this guidance document will be revised as appropriate.