House of Lords Investigating the Use of Nanotechnologies in the Food Sector

On December 15, 2008, the House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee appointed a Subcommittee to investigate the use of nanotechnologies in the food sector.  The Committee intends to focus on the following areas:  food products, additives, and supplements; food contact packaging; food manufacturing processes; animal feed; pesticides and fertilizers; and products that may come into contact with food, such as food containers and cooking utensils.  The Committee requests evidence on questions under the following topics:

• State of the science and its current use in the food sector;
• Health and safety;
• Regulatory framework; and
• Public engagement and consumer information.

Submissions are due March 13, 2009. The Committee will hold public meetings beginning in Spring 2009, and intends to publish its report in Fall 2009.