Disclosure of nanomaterials under nanotechnology product inventory, voluntary certification, and voluntary labelling

Abstract

Nanotechnology has revolutionised the food industry and flooded the consumers' market worldwide with engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), creating concerns on potential risks towards safety and health. This article analyses the institutional approach for disclosure of information on the presence of ENMs in food products and their limitations. It adopts a doctrinal approach and content analysis by examining relevant literature on disclosure of nanomaterials from journal articles and books from online databases and institutional websites. To overcome the limitations of the institutional approach of nanotechnology product inventories, voluntary certification programme, and voluntary labelling, this article proposes that the information disclosed must be in full and accurate. More importantly, the information on potential risks of exposure, use of nanotechnology, or presence of nanomaterials must be verified and constantly updated. This study hopes to significantly contribute to improving the transparency of nanofood information systems.