Nanotechnology Is Slinking Into The Food Industry, Despite Safety Concerns

Use of nanotechnology in the food, supplements and packaging industries is growing, despite concerns about safety and whether nanoparticles belong in organic foods. Writer Jill Richardson says she finds “terrifying” the idea that food makers are including nanoparticles in foods without labeling them as such. She notes that an AOL news article reported that common fruits and vegetables are often coated with an edible “wax-like nanocoating” that extends shelf-life and protects color and flavor. And nanoparticles can be found in salad dressings, sauces, diet beverages, and boxed cake, muffin and pancakes mixes. The EU addressed the safety issue, saying that nanotechnology must not be allowed in foods until proven safe. Canada has said that nanotech must stay out of organics. U.S. regulators are still reviewing the safety and organic issues.