The Importance of Metrology and Standardization of Nanomaterials for Food Industry and Regulatory Authorities in Europe

Abstract

This chapter reviews the importance of metrology/characterization of the nanosized ingredients, especially when used in the form of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in agri/food/feed products. It describes how characterization and standardization of nanomaterials can have a positive impact on the safe and sustainable developments within the agri/food/feed industries, and helps the authorities to regulate any potential risk to the consumer or the environment. In order to prepare for regulatory safety evaluation of nanomaterial applications, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) funded in 2014 the development of an inventory of nanomaterials/nanoapplications in agri/food/feed areas that are either currently on the market or reasonably foreseen to be placed on the market in the foreseeable future. In order to provide a best practice approach to risk assessors, EFSA published its “Guidance on the risk assessment of the application of nanoscience and nanotechnologies in the food and feed chain” in 2011.