Biotechnology

Food manufacturers fear nanotechnology backlash

(TELEGRAPH) - A House of Lords committee said the new technology could have very real benefits to consumers, improving the flavour, nutritional value and durability of food.

But a reluctance by the manufacturers to disclose their work was likely create a public backlash to the additives, claims a new inquiry.

Now the influential Science and Technology Committee wants an official register set up by the Food Standards Agency to keep a check on research into the controversial additives.

Nanotechnology, the science of tiny particles so small 300 million would fit on a pinhead, is a rapidly developing branch of research with benefits from everything from engineering to medicine.

For food it is thought the tiny additives could be used to reduce salt and fat contents, increase flavours and nutritional values, and prolong shelf lives.

They could also be used to develop so-called “smart packaging” that could detect exactly when food has gone off.

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