Nano What?

Oh, Oh, check out the second sentence.  Now why doesn't that surprise us?  If we are such a great nation then why does Europe and Canada put their citizens before corporate profit and we can't do that just once?

"Nanotechnology and Our Food
The subject of nanotechnology and our food supply offers an alarming view of the potential for human health issues. Amazingly, the U.S. government currently does not regulate the use of nanotechnology in food products, despite its widespread use and serious public health concerns. Europe and the Canadian government have taken the first steps to limit the use of nanotechnology in food, but the U.S. has so far only issued draft guidelines to companies.

The chemical industry has already incorporated nanomaterials into foods like dietary supplements and “food contact substances,” including cutting boards, plastic containers and sandwich bags used to store leftovers or pack lunches. Industry claims their products will make food safer, and have pushed out a wide variety of nanoscale applications in food packaging and processing that is already on the market with many others in development. We know very little about the health effects of consuming engineered nanomaterials, but what we do know is that is presents cause for alarm. Scientific research indicates that engineered nanomaterials may pose significant health risks if inhaled, ingested or spread on the skin. A 2012 National Research Council study notes that “there is little progress” on research about the human health effects of oral consumption of nanomaterials.

Center for Food Safety and Nanotechnology
Center for Food Safety believes that a precautionary approach to nanotechnology in food is fundamental. A precautionary approach requires mandatory, nano-specific oversight mechanisms to account for the unique characteristics of the materials. Within those mechanisms, the protection of public health and worker safety requires a committed focus on critical risk research and immediate action to mitigate potential exposures until safety is demonstrated. Similar emphasis and action must be taken with regard to safeguarding the natural environment. Throughout, oversight must be transparent and provide public access to information regarding decision-making processes, safety testing and products. Open, meaningful and full public participation at every level is essential. These discussions and analyses should include consideration of nanotechnology’s wide-ranging effects, including ethical and social impacts. Finally, developers and manufacturers need to be treated as stewards responsible for the safety and effectiveness of their processes and products, and retain liability for any adverse impacts stemming from them. Governmental bodies, organizations and relevant parties should implement comprehensive oversight mechanisms enacting, incorporating and internalizing these basic principles as soon as possible."http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/campaign/nanotechnology/

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