On 23 January, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published online a call for scientific data on applications of nanotechnology and nanomaterials used in food and feed.

The European Commission asked EFSA to provide an opinion on the risks arising from nanoscience and nanotechnologies on food and feed safety and the environment. An expert working group from EFSA is currently drafting an initial opinion which is to be published by July 2008 for public consultation. While drafting its contribution, EFSA is looking for third parties input too. The deadline to comment is 23 March 2008.

EFSA is particularly interested in:
 Data on the safety of nanomaterials used in food and feed
 Food and feed applications and products containing or consisting of nanomaterials or produced by nanotechnology
 Methods, procedures and performance criteria used to analyse nanomaterials in food and feed
 Use patterns and exposure to humans and environment
 Risk assessments performed on nanomaterials used in food and feed
 Toxicological data on nanomaterials used in food and feed
 Environmental studies performed on nanotechnologies and nanomaterials used in food and feed
 Other data of relevance for risk assessment of nanotechnology and nanomaterials in food and feed

For more information:
 Read EFSA press release