Detection of nanomaterials in food and consumer products: bridging the gap from legislation to enforcement

This paper describes the requirements and resulting challenges for the implementation of current and upcoming EU legislation referring to the use of nanomaterials in food, cosmetics and other consumer products. The European Commission has recently adopted a recommendation for the definition of nanomaterials. There is now an urgent need for appropriate and fit-for-purpose analytical methods in order to properly identify nanomaterials according to this definition and to assess whether a product contains nanomaterials or not. Considering the lack of such methods to-date, this paper elaborates on the challenges of the legislative framework and the type of methods needed, not only to facilitate implementation of labelling requirements but also to ensure the safety of products coming to the market. Considering the many challenges in the analytical process itself, such as interaction of nanoparticles with matrix constituents, potential agglomeration and aggregation due to matrix environment, broad variety of matrices, etc., there is a need for integrated analytical approaches, not only for sample preparation (e.g. separation from matrix) but also for the actual characterisation. Furthermore, there is an urgent need for quality assurance tools such as validated methods and (certified) reference materials, including materials containing nanoparticles in a realistic matrix (food products, cosmetics, etc.).

STAMM Hermann;  GIBSON Peter;  ANKLAM Elke; 

2012-08-02

TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD

JRC71497

1944-0049,   

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19440049.2012.689778,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC71497,   

10.1080/19440049.2012.689778,