On December 15, 2008, the House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee appointed a Subcommittee to investigate the use of nanotechnologies in the food sector. The Committee intends to focus on the following areas: food products, additives, and supplements; food contact packaging; food manufacturing processes; animal feed; pesticides and fertilizers; and products that may come into contact with food, such as food containers and cooking utensils. The Committee requests evidence on questions under the following topics:
- State of the science and its current use in the food sector;
- Health and safety;
- Regulatory framework; and
- Public engagement and consumer information.
Submissions are due March 13, 2009. The Committee will hold public meetings beginning in Spring 2009, and intends to publish its report in Fall 2009.