Year 2023, Volume 8, Issue 3
| Year : | 2023 |
| Volume : | 8 |
| Issue : | 3 |
| Authors : | Valeria SODANO |
| Title : | NANOTECHNOLOGIES, FOOD SYSTEM AND THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK OF THE EUROPEAN UNION |
| Abstract : | Over the last decade, many nano-innovations have been introduced in the agri-food sector. The documented risks associated with nanotechnologies have early raised the interest of regulatory national and international bodies. Nevertheless, within the European Union (EU), the accelerated rate of innovation has not been met by adequate regulatory interventions. This study provides an assessment of the current EU nanotechnology regulatory framework. In order to analyze the rationale for regulation, the different fields of application of nanotechnologies in the food system are presented together with the associated social and economic risks. Limitations of the current toxicological knowledge and the scarcity of environmental studies are also highlighted for raising the case of a precautionary stance. The results of the regulatory assessment highlight that technical-scientific and economic considerations have been overwhelmingly used by European policymakers in the regulatory process. Instead, considerations regarding the respect of the precautionary principle and the accountability of the legislative process have been largely overlooked. As a consequence, regulatory policies have been weak and inadequate to address the health and economic risks created by nanotechnologies. The study offers useful insights for understanding and improving the EU regulatory process in the field of nanotechnology. |
| For citation : | Sodano, V. (2023). Nanotechnologies, food system and the regulatory framework of the European Union. AGROFOR International Journal, Volume 8. Issue No. 3. pp. 24-31. DOI: 10.7251/AGRENG2303024S |
| Keywords : | nanotechnology, food system, regulation, EU legislation. |
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ISSN 2490-3434 (Printed)
ISSN 2490-3442 (Online)
ISSN 2490-3442 (Online)
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