Regulation of Nanotechnologies in Food in Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

Nanotechnologies have the potential to offer many opportunities for innovation in the food sector with applications in agriculture, water treatment, food production, processing, preservation and packaging. Whilst nanotechnologies may offer benefits in food and food packaging, the use of nanoscale materials may also present regulatory challenges similar to those for other emerging technologies, with the main issues related to potential impacts on human health. As part of an integrated whole of government approach, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has assessed the capacity of the food regulatory framework in Australia and New Zealand to manage any human health risks posed by nanotechnologies under the existing legislation, the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, and risk assessment framework. This review sets out the current regulatory requirements for the use of nanotechnologies in food in Australia and New Zealand, amendments to data requirements for risk assessment of nanoscale and microscale particulates in the FSANZ application handbook, and ongoing monitoring of the risks associated with the use of nanotechnologies in the food sector.