The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has recently determined that hydroxyapatite (HAP) in nanoform is safe for use in oral care products, with concentrations up to 29.5% in toothpaste and 10% in mouthwash. New safety showed that HAP nano does not cause genetic mutations, cytotoxicity, or inflammation, and is not significantly taken up by cells. The safety assessment applies only to specific types of HAP nano particles that meet certain criteria, such as rod-shaped particles with specific length-to-width ratios and no surface modifications. The case demonstrates that high-quality in vitro safety data can increase the possibilities of safely marketing nanomaterials.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently evaluated silver as a food additive (E 174) and concluded that it cannot confirm its safety. This uncertainty arises from significant gaps in scientific data, particularly regarding the physicochemical properties and potential toxicity of silver particles at the nanoscale. The EC will consider EFSA's opinion when shaping its policy on the use of E 174 as a food additive.

Recent advancements in food packaging that use nanotechnology have the potential to improve food quality and safety by extending freshness, repairing damaged packaging, and informing consumers about spoilage. These innovations also offer sustainability benefits by reducing food waste and providing more environmentally friendly packaging options. However, it is crucial to ensure the safety of nanomaterials in food packaging for human health. A “safe-and-sustainable-by-design” approach can help balance innovation, sustainability, recyclability, and safety in packaging development.

Researchers tested the Prevention through Design (PtD) approach by examining the transition from laboratory-scale to pilot-scale production of Few-Layer Graphene (FLG). Based on PtD principles, they recommended reducing worker exposure to FLG during pilot-scale production through measures like using closed systems, local exhaust ventilation, and semi-automatic storage systems. The use of PtD in this study provides valuable insights on safety measures during scale up of nanomaterial production in similar settings.

Researchers have proposed an approach to create metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that are designed to be safe and sustainable. The approach categorises the transformations that these materials undergo, helping to prevent the formation of harmful transformation products. MOFs are composed of metal clusters linked to organic compounds, resulting in porous structures that are useful in various applications, including catalysis, energy storage, water treatment, and sensors. By adopting a safe and sustainable approach in their design, the full potential of MOFs can be realised.

Several OECD guidelines for testing chemicals have been updated to include nanospecific considerations, which are generally effective. Despite these efforts, challenges remain in standardising the testing of nanomaterials in water, as particles tend to clump together, leading to unstable dispersions and irreproducible results.

Nanoforms of fertilisers or biostimulants sprayed directly onto plant leaves may contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices. However, it needs to be clarified whether the current legislation and methodologies sufficiently addresses the nanospecific properties of these products when assessing the benefits and risks for crops, the environment, and human health.

Two recent reports reviewed existing New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). One focussed on the purpose of regulatory risk assessment and the other on in silico methods for the Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) of nanomaterials.

The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) evaluated information on genotoxicity of titanium dioxide used in cosmetic products. This was triggered by previous similar concerns for food additive E 171 (titanium dioxide, TiO2).

The past few decades of managing the uncertain risks for human and environment associated with nanomaterials have provided crucial insights for ensuring the safe and sustainable development of advanced materials.