Nano food
In popular science, all artificially produced or modified foods are referred to as nano-food ( old Gr . Νᾶνος nános "dwarf" and English food "food") to which certain properties are assigned using nanotechnology via nanoparticles .
The range of possible properties ranges from certain flavors, colors or consistencies (example: heating changes the color or firmness) to digestion (enhancement of the functional food effect), the assignment of certain behavioral forms (lower consumption of fat in French fries , or chocolate no longer runs in the packaging when it is hot) until completely new forms of food are created.
Numerous food companies are researching the use of nanotechnology in food; including Mondelēz International , Unilever , Nestlé and Cargill . Currently (as of March 2007) there are around 150 different nano-food products on the market worldwide, according to official information there are none in Germany yet. All member states of the European Union have been obliged to label foodstuffs since December 2014.
Since no knowledge about intolerance or health risks has yet been found, nano-food has not yet been proven, but concerns cannot be dismissed (for example, the crossing of the blood-brain barrier by the small particles is conceivable) rejection by consumers or the requirement for labeling is to be expected (see "Possible risks" in the article nanoparticles ).
Examples of the use of nano-food
Nano-beta-carotene is used in beverages to influence color properties and to dissolve beta-carotene, as it is insoluble in water. It is introduced into the drink in micelles . In addition, UV-absorbing nanoparticles are incorporated into packaging materials so that the product to be packaged becomes more light-resistant or less sensitive to light.
Web links
- Planet knowledge
- Statement by the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies on the subject (PDF file; 24 kB)
- Page of the BUND
- Overview of the presentations at the BfR expert discussion on nanotechnology, its products and risks for consumers on March 28, 2006
- Nanotechnology for Clean Water , SciDev.Net (Eng.)
- Institute for Technology Assessment of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Nanotrust (PDF; 247 kB)