Amendment to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 on novel foods
The European Parliament has objected to a new definition of 'engineered nanomaterials' proposed by the Commission for use in food labelling. The Parliament believes this definition is not protective enough of consumers and may not align with scientific progress. This new definition affects food ingredients that are manufactured at the nanoscale. If a food ingredient is classified as an 'engineered nanomaterial' under current rules, it must be labelled as '[nano]' in the ingredient list, helping consumers make informed choices. The Commission's proposed definition included a threshold of 50% or more particles at the nanoscale. The Parliament argues this threshold is arbitrary and less protective than definitions used by some Member States, potentially excluding many nano-substances from mandatory labelling. The Parliament previously objected to a similar definition in 2014 and has cited scientific bodies and consumer organisations that recommend a lower threshold, such as 10%, for identifying nanomaterials in food due to potential health risks.
Analysis
The European Parliament objects to the Commission delegated regulation concerning the definition of 'engineered nanomaterials' in novel foods.
What changes
- The Commission proposed a delegated regulation to amend Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 on novel foods, specifically regarding the definition of 'engineered nanomaterials'.
- The proposed definition aims to replace 'intentionally produced [material]' with 'manufactured' to address interpretation issues.
Expected impact
- The proposed definition could lead to fewer food ingredients being subject to the '[nano]' labelling obligation under Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011.
- The Parliament believes the delegated regulation exceeds the Commission's powers conferred by Article 31 of Regulation (EU) 2015/20283.
- A 2020 study indicated that citizens desire improved labelling for everyday products containing nanomaterials.
Limitations
- The document is a resolution objecting to a delegated act and does not contain the full text of the delegated act itself.
- Specific details on the number of food products or ingredients potentially affected by the definition change are not exhaustively listed.
- The document does not provide a comprehensive list of all scientific advancements or all academic/public authority recommendations beyond those cited.
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