On December 12, 2013 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published the annual report of its network of Risk Assessment of Nanotechnologies in Food and Feed. In the network, 21 EU member States, Norway, Croatia, the European Commission and EFSA’s Scientific Committee are represented. The Nano Network aims to provide a forum for dialogue, build mutual understanding of risk assessment principles and improve knowledge on scientific assessments of nanomaterials carried out in EU. In the 2013 meeting, the Nano Network discussed research results of toxicological studies on nanomaterials carried out in the EU, and their differences in studies design, test materials and sample preparation. It was recognized that each nanomaterial/matrix combination shows specific toxicological properties. Based on the nanogenotox research project, the Nano Network concluded that any genotoxic test guideline should be amended to include toxicokinetic testing. Dispersion protocols used should be specified for in vitro genotoxicity assessments and the most sensitive and relevant cell type should be chosen. For in vivo genotoxicity assessments, the Nano network recommended the OECD test guideline 487, but particle uptake should be demonstrated in order to avoid false negative results. The report also includes a list of national laboratories that are equipped to carry out analysis of nanomaterials in complex matrices.
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EFSA (December 12, 2013). “Annual report of the EFSA Scientific Network of Risk Assessment of Nanotechnologies in Food and Feed for 2013.”
