Annual report of the EFSA Scientific Network of Risk Assessment of Nanotechnologies in Food and Feed for 2013

In accordance with EFSA’s strategy for cooperation and networking with Member States, a Network for Risk Assessment of Nanotechnologies in Food and Feed was established in 2010. The overall goals of this Network are to facilitate harmonisation of assessment practices and methodologies; to enhance exchange of information and data between EFSA and MS; and to achieve synergies in risk assessment activities. The Annual reports of the Network inform the public and the EFSA Advisory Forum about its specific activities and achievements. During 2013, the Network followed-up on its priority areas and contributed to the making of inventories lists of applications of Nanomaterials already present in the food/feed chain. During its meeting in 2013, the Network dedicated most of its discussions on relevant research results for possible toxicity following the oral route of exposure. The network agreed on recommendations regarding genotoxicity test methods, the adequacy of in vitro test methods for food and feed (oral exposure) and the relevance of developing GI tract tests for in vitro digestibility. The Network also finalised its list with contact details of national laboratories that have equipment and know-how for analysing certain nanomaterials in complex matrices.