Voluntary standards launched for nanoparticle labels

New voluntary guidance on labelling for food manufacturers and other companies using nanotechnology will be launched this month.

Although nanotechnology is already used [albeit to a limited extent] in the food industry, there is no legal definition of nanoparticles and no legal requirement for them to be labelled or formally approved as novel ingredients or additives.

Given the potential for nanotechnology to turn into a public relations disaster for industry unless labelling and safety issues are addressed, a working group was set up last year to provide some guidance.

The group, which includes representatives from the cosmetics industry and the Food and Drink Federation, explores labelling options for commercial and consumer communications, said chairman Geoff Hunt, professor of ethics at the University of Surrey. "It might be a case of using a phrase such as 'this contains nanoparticles of titanium dioxide'."

Whatever companies opted for would prove controversial, he predicted. "That's why we need to have this debate in the open." The guidance will be posted on http://www.bsiglobal.com​ shortly.