Regulating Nanotechnology in food

[Roger Steven]

Nanotechnology, a part of Quantum Physics (QP), is growing fast and has myriad uses. Nanotechnology is all about size and self-assembly. While QP deals with subatomic particles and waves; Nano relates to the atomic and molecular level. Atomic behavior and properties get dramatically changed at the Nano level. Of note are properties such as color change due to refraction of light. Gold, packaging and chemistry are some of the well-known areas into which nanotechnology is applied and in which it is immensely useful.

The potential to change the nutritive quality of food

Nanotechnology has a significant impact on food. Nanoparticles are used in every aspect of food and food processing. The use of nanotechnology enhances food products and methods of manufacture and improvises quality by helping in better preservation.

Nanotechnology looks likely to impact food behavior in a big way. The interactive food ingredients currently being developed from this technology would allow consumers to choose the color and desired flavor. More importantly, ingested Nano capsules using Nano sensors would inject the body with the exact dosage of the required nutrients, including vitamins, to treat deficiencies.

There are downsides, too

However, there are some downsides which, if left unregulated, could lead to consumer health issues. This will be the core of the topic of a webinar that is being organized by MentorHealth, a leading provider of professional trainings for the healthcare industry.

Robert J Verdicchio, an industrial scientist and formulator with more than fifty years of experience in the chemical specialties area with a specialization in healthcare and beauty aids, will be the speaker at this webinar. To register for this learning session, please log on to http://www.mentorhealth.com/control/w_product/~product_id=800887#26534.

Contaminants can be extracted from the Nano clays used to form enhanced barrier protection, particularly in beverages like beer. The extracted material from container to the beer must be carefully monitored. This is because although alcohol in beer, together with small particle size high extractable zinc oxide is used to protect from UV rays; Nano zinc oxide has been found to cause lung health issues. At this session, Robert will quote many more such examples. The gains far outweigh the risks, provided proper controls are put in place.

Need for regulation

While its uses are many and the technology is growing fast, government regulations have not kept pace with this technology, as a result of which safety guidelines and regulations are still nascent. The FDA currently does not monitor the area but a task force is currently looking into guidelines which should be forthcoming.

This webinar session will discuss all these issues.