EFSA Issues Guidance for Nano Applications in Food, Feed

PARMA, ItalyThe European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published its first guidance document for addressing potential risks arising from engineered nanomaterial (ENM) applications in food and feed.

The guidance covers risk assessments for food and feed applications including food additives, enzymes, flavorings, food contact materials, novel foods, feed additives and pesticides. To assist with the practical use of the guidance, six scenarios are presented that outline and indicate different toxicity testing required for each scenario.

The European Commission requested the EFSA guidance, which complements existing guidance documents for substances and products submitted for risk assessment in view of their possible authorization in food and feed. It stipulates the additional data needed for the physical and chemical characterization of ENM in comparison with conventional applications and outlines different toxicity testing approaches to be followed by applicants.

EFSA said it will review the guidance for risk assessment on an ongoing basis and revise it as appropriate.