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Challenges of Regulation and Risk Assessment of Nanomaterials

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Guidance on the risk assessment <strong>of</strong> the application <strong>of</strong> nanoscience <strong>and</strong><br />

nanotechnologies in the food <strong>and</strong> feed chain<br />

Carl<strong>and</strong>er D. 1<br />

1 European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Parma, Italy<br />

The guidance document adopted by the Scientific Committee <strong>of</strong> the European Food Safety Authority<br />

presents a practical approach for assessing potential risks arising from applications <strong>of</strong> nanoscience<br />

<strong>and</strong> nanotechnologies in the food <strong>and</strong> feed chain. The risk assessment paradigm (hazard<br />

identification <strong>and</strong> hazard characterisation followed by exposure assessment <strong>and</strong> risk characterisation)<br />

is appropriate for these applications, <strong>and</strong> consequently relevant data <strong>and</strong> information for the various<br />

steps should be made available to the risk assessor to carry out a risk assessment. Guidance is<br />

provided on the physico-chemical characterisation requirements <strong>of</strong> engineered nanomaterials used<br />

e.g. as food additives, enzymes, flavourings, food contact materials, novel foods, feed additives <strong>and</strong><br />

pesticides. Information is provided on testing approaches to identify <strong>and</strong> characterise potential<br />

hazards arising from the nano properties, which when exposure to an engineered nanomaterial is<br />

demonstrated, should include information from in vitro genotoxicity, absorption, distribution,<br />

metabolism <strong>and</strong> excretion <strong>and</strong> repeated-dose 90-day oral toxicity study in rodents. The guidance<br />

allows for reduced information to be provided when no exposure to the engineered nanomaterial is<br />

verified by data indicating no migration or when complete degradation/dissolution is demonstrated.<br />

Based on information from the initial testing, additional in vitro <strong>and</strong> in vivo studies may be required.<br />

The guidance document indicates uncertainties that should be considered when performing a risk<br />

assessment. As the area <strong>of</strong> risk assessment <strong>of</strong> engineered nanomaterials is under fast development,<br />

consequently the guidance document will be revised as appropriate.<br />

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