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The convergence of nanotechnologies with the food and food processing sector will further revolutionise the agri-food sector. Yet despite the growing concern of the potential risks posed by some engineered nanoparticles, and the adequacy of existing legislative frameworks to protect human health and safety, a number of foods and food packaging materials have already reached the supermarket shelves in some countries. In light of these concerns, this chapter provides an in-depth examination of the strengths and weaknesses of the food safety regulatory frameworks in the European Union and the United States for managing potential risks posed by nanotechnologies in food and food packaging. In acknowledging the delicate balance involved in promoting technological innovation while simultaneously taking reasonable precautions to protect the public, the chapter concludes by articulating a range of mechanisms that could be adopted to assist governments in achieving this fine balance in relation to food safety.

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Chapter 11 discusses the regulatory challenges facing the use of nanotechnologies and nanomaterials in foods and food contact materials in the different jurisdictions of the globe (the EU, USA, Australia and New Zealand). The field is rapidly evolving as an increasing number of applications gain public acceptance due to their pronounced benefits. The regulatory agencies are stepping up their activities to make sure that these developments do not occur in a regulatory vacuum. This fast progress carries some uncertainties over the potential for new risks that may result from exposure to nanomaterials, hence the regulators need to establish clear-cut boundaries for the use of these products and applicable rules to provide legal certainty and consumer confidence. The chapter provides an overview of the existing regulatory framework in the selected jurisdictions and describes current progress in developing evidence-based regulations to support safety assessment, pre-market authorization and consumer information in relation to the nanomaterials used in food production and storage. This progress is closely scrutinized by different regulatory agencies and civil society groups and it is likely that, as the technology matures, the supporting regulatory framework will need to be revisited.