OECD Issues Survey Summary on Regulatory Oversight of Nanotechnology in Foods

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has released a summary of survey results pertaining to the regulatory framework in 12 countries that provide oversight of nanotechnology in food and medical products. Conducted in 2011-2012, the survey addressed (i) “the regulatory frameworks being used to provide oversight for the use of nanotechnology in the relevant field,” (ii) “the legislative frameworks relevant to these regulatory frameworks,” and (iii) “relevant government supported research programmes and institutions.” OECD has concluded that food ingredients, additives, colorings, and contact substances “that may contain nanomaterials or otherwise involve the application of nanotechnology are covered under existing national and/or regional legislative and regulatory frameworks that are relevant and applicable to foods.” See OECD News Release, May 28, 2013.