‘A mandatory reporting requirement’ for research conducted into nanomaterials in food or food contact materials ‘could... act as a deterrent for companies and other laboratories to carry out research and development in the UK’, claims the UK Government.

In its response to the Lord’s Science and Technology Select Committee Report into Nanotechnologies and Food, the Government raises concerns about a recommendation made by the Committee for a ‘confidential database’ of nanomaterials being researched in the food sector to inform risk assessment.

‘Introducing a mandatory reporting system would require new legislation,’ says the Government. It questions the need for it, when ‘in recent years, the [Food Standards] Agency has commisioned projects looking at likely developments in the use of nanotechologies...to ensure that regulations and risk assessment approaches can deal adequately with future products’.

Both the Government and the Food Standards Agency have, nonetheless, welcomed the overall recommendations for more openness and dialogue with the public about nanomaterials and the need for a coherent strategy.

On 18 March, the UK’s Nanotechnologies Strategy was unveiled. Features include:

A ministerial-led Nanotechnologies Leadership Group to address the barriers to
commercial growth.

Chief Scientific Advisors to review research coordination.

A Nanotechnologies Collaboration Group to facilitate work with academia and industry.

Further information: BIS