As You Sow has just released a framework on sourcing nanomaterials for food and food packaging. The Framework highlights what companies should ask their suppliers regarding the safety of nano-enhanced food products and packaging.
As You Sow is also currently developing a survey for food manufacturers, packagers, distributors, retailers, and fast-food chains regarding their use of, and policies related to, nanomaterials in food products.
The results, to be released in mid-2012, will provide a more accurate understanding of industry policies and the current status of nanomaterial use in the U.S. food market.
In 2008, As You Sow filed the first shareholder resolutions on nanomaterials and food safety asking Kraft and McDonald’s to report on their use of nanomaterials in their products and packaging.
Our dialogue with McDonald’s resulted in the company publicly stating that it "does not currently support the use by suppliers of nano-engineered materials in the production of any of our food, packaging, and toys."
Read a recent blog post by our Senior Program Strategist Michael Passoff on where other companies stand on this issue.
Background
Nanotechnology is the science of manipulating matter at the molecular scale to build structures, tools, or products. This emerging science offers many new opportunities for food industry applications, such as nutritional additives, stronger flavorings and colorings, or antibacterial ingredients for food packaging. However, at such a small scale, nano particles are more likely to pass through biological membranes, circulate through the body, and enter cells.
Nanotechnology is the science of manipulating matter at the molecular scale to build structures, tools, or products. This emerging science offers many new opportunities for food industry applications, such as nutritional additives, stronger flavorings and colorings, or antibacterial ingredients for food packaging. However, at such a small scale, nano particles are more likely to pass through biological membranes, circulate through the body, and enter cells.
The introduction of nanotechnology into the food industry has raised significant concerns for both consumers and investors. The risks and benefits of this emerging technology are still being discovered and there is a disconcerting lack of scientific studies on the effects nanomaterials have on human health and the environmnent. Regulatory agencies are also not up-to-speed on nanotechnologies. The EPA found that approximately 90% of nanoscale materials that are likely commercially available for the industry were not reported under the organization's voluntary reporting program. The EU also recognizes that “there is a huge need for this research as some nanoparticles that are used in everyday products, such as paint and suntan cream, have never been properly tested.”
Fonte: As You Sow
