Food Industry

Important concerns involve carbon nanotubes, graphene and fullerenes are their stability and potential effects of their life cycles on animals, humans and environment. Seabra et al 2012 calls for more understanding of the biodegradability of these materials to increase their safety. [1]

The exponentially increased of production of nanomaterials will  lead to their release in the environment, say Larue et al 2012. Plants, exposed to soil, water and air, are a point of entry into the food chain. The authors report that TiO2 nanoparticle and carbon nanotube enter the roots of wheat and rapeseed following exposure in soil or an aerial contamination. [1]

Azam et al. 2012 report that nanoparticles of  metal oxides (ZnO, CuO, and Fe(2)O(3)) presented antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis.

Best results were obtained with ZnO and Fe(2)O(3) had less intensive antibacterial activity. The nanomaterial was obtained by a sol-gel combustion route, with  particle sizes of 18, 22, and 28 nm for ZnO, CuO, and Fe(2)O(3), respectively. [1]

The ISO TC 229 at international level
The standard ISO TC 229 is to provide guidance for the preparation of nanomaterial-specific safety data sheets on information regarding safety, health and environmental matters for manufactured nanomaterial-containing products. [1]

EFSA completed its full risk assessment of BPA in 2006 and set a Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) of 0.05 mg/kg body weight/day for this substance. EFSA has updated its scientific advice on BPA several times since 2006, reconfirming the TDI in 2008, 2010 and 2011. [1]

Taste and olfaction are the most important sensory inputs which leads to whether a food is liked or not. Ortho- and retronasal olfaction are important to the perception of  flavour.  [1]

In potato tubers, 30-80% of the solanine develops in and close to the skin. Greening of potatoes  suggests solanine build-up, although each process can occur without the other. A bitter taste in a potato is another, potentially more reliable indicator of toxicity.  The symptoms of solanine poisoning are mainly vomiting and diarrhea, and the condition may be misdiagnosed as gastroenteritis. [1]

SOCFIN, a corporation with seat in Luxenburg, will plant oil palms for biodiesel in Sierra Leone. Politicians and functionaries sell off the lands of local farmers and suppress the protests. Small farmers are fighting to keep their land. [1]

Biofuel politics of Germany and the EU is based on massive import of “green energies”. The population of the affected regions loose their livelihood and biodiversity is menaced by the monoculture of oil palms.

The Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a draft guidance on scientific requirements for health claims related to antioxidants, oxidative damage and cardiovascular health. The guidance cites the type of evidence for a health claim. The panel takes position to several claims such as: [1]

The group “As You Sow” published a framework document for the food industry focusing on the use of nanoparticles in food. This framework is based on EFSA, DEFRA, PIRA and USFDA. The group argues that definition of nanomaterials should include particles up to 300 nm. This is based on some calls which say that particles up to 300 nm can be incorporated by cells. [1]