FSA reveals results of nanotech research
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published a report of consumers’ views on the use of nanotechnology in food and food packaging. The focus group research, which asked participants about their views on nanotechnology in late 2010 and early 2011, was carried out as part of the FSA’s programme of work on nanotechnology.
The main findings reveal that participants’ reactions to nanotechnology and food reflected a variety of concerns, such as whether this was a necessary development, and whether the benefits outweighed the perceived risks.
The research also revealed that participants were more positive about the use of nanotechnology to reduce the salt or fat content of foods, but were negative towards using it for what they perceived to be ‘trivial’ purposes, such as developing new flavours and textures.
“This research suggests that although consumers may be sceptical about the motives behind the introduction of nanotechnology in food, they are more likely to look more favourably on its use when they perceive a real benefit to them,” says Andrew Wadge, FSA chief scientist (pictured). “I believe it’s for regulators and the industry to be transparent and to work together to explain to people what nanotechnology is and how it can be used in food.”
The Food Standards Agency is working with interested parties to gather intelligence on the use of nanotechnologies in food, and is also developing a UK register of foods that use nanotechnology. This work is being overseen by the Agency’s Nanotechnologies and Food Discussion Group.
