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Science Is nanotechnology a toxic food nano poison in Australia?
Science Is nanotechnology a toxic food nano poison in Australia? | Is nanotechnology a toxic food nano poison in Australia? |
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| by Alex Zaharov-Reutt | |
| Wednesday, 12 March 2008 | |
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Page 1 of 3   
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Science DiscussionsIn a statement released at the Australian FOE website, FOE explains that their new report reveals that “at least 104 food, food packaging and agricultural products containing nano-ingredients are now on sale internationally. These include diet replacement milkshakes, cooking oil, tea and fortified fruit juice; food additives sold for use in processed meats, soft drinks, bakery and dairy products; long-life and antibacterial food packaging; and antibacterial kitchenware.” This list of everyday shopping items many would find common is incredibly shocking, given FOE’s claim that: “In light of the evidence that many nano-ingredients used in these products pose new toxic risks for humans and the environment, Friends of the Earth is calling for a halt to the sale of nanofoods until they can be shown to be safe.” Unfortunately for consumers, this isn’t the first time the nanotechnology threat alarm has been sounded. FOE says that back in 2004, the world’s oldest scientific body, in its report "Nanoscience and nanotechnologies: opportunities and uncertainties", http://www.nanotec.org.uk/finalReport.htm the United Kingdom’s Royal Society, said that given serious early warning signs of nanotoxicity, nano-ingredients shouldn’t be allowed in products until they pass new safety testing by independent authorities. Seeing as that report was seemingly ignored, FOE claims that “scientists have gathered more and more evidence that nanomaterials now in use by the food industry – like nano silver, nano titanium dioxide and nano zinc - can be toxic to humans and the environment (see our new report for a summary of some of the key findings).” The Australian connection is made clear in FOE’s report, where they state that: “Yet Australian laws do not require food companies to conduct new safety tests on nano ingredients before putting them in foods if these ingredients have previously been used in larger form. This leaves many – if not most – nano-ingredients effectively unregulated.” So, do we know how many ‘nanofoods’ are on sale in Australian stores, potentially being purchased and then consumed every day by what could easily be millions of Aussies? Please read onto page 2. |
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