Researchers from the EU Graphene Flagship have highlighted the complexity of assessing the safety of graphene and related materials. Such assessment requires detailed knowledge of safety-related physicochemical properties and the development of harmonised test methods. These lessons must receive ample attention in future innovation programmes on new materials.

By 2023, two European research projects related to the Malta Initiative were completed: Gov4Nano and NanoHarmony. These projects provided scientific support to thirteen OECD projects aimed at developing or modifying OECD Test Guidelines or Guidance Documents. However, more work is needed to finalise the OECD documents. The Malta Initiative has also identified further needs for harmonised test methods for future (advanced) materials and animal-free safety testing. The NanoHarmony White Paper guides on how to continue developing these test methods. However, it is uncertain how to identify and address future needs in the absence of resources for funding.

The safety of fullerenes in cosmetic products is uncertain, according to the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). The information provided by the Notifier on the possible genotoxicity of fullerenes and other concerns was insufficient. The European Commission has recently proposed a new rule requiring the industry to provide additional data in the short term. If the industry fails to do so, fullerenes will be banned for use in cosmetic products, like other nanomaterials.

Two years ago, the EU banned the use of the white food colourant titanium dioxide (E 171), because of concerns regarding genotoxicity. Yet, products with this food additive may still be found on the European market. Several institutes outside the EU do not share EU concerns. Therefore, titanium dioxide remains being used in food products outside the EU. As a result, imported products are a potential source of illegal presence of titanium dioxide in food on the EU market.