Regulating food nanotechnologies in the European Union: Open issues and political challenges

Background Since the end of the last century nanotechnologies have been identified as the most promising tool to cope with the major health, energy and environmental problems afflicting the world population. However, many voices have warned against the possible health and environmental risks of such new technologies, with calls for public monitoring and regulation. Scope and Approach The paper investigates a particular matter related to the nano regulatory issue, namely concerning the political attitudes lying behind policy makers’ decision processes. The paper specifically refers to the European Union (EU) case. It endeavours to give an overview of the potential risks of these new technologies and to assess the ability of public regulatory bodies in the EU to promote innovation whilst effectively protecting the environment and human rights. A conceptual framework is used in order to assess the political stances lying beyond the current EU regulatory choices. Key findings and Conclusions Contrary to the common view, which explains the regulatory delay only on the basis of the difficulties involved in carrying out a sound risk assessment, the paper suggests that the delay also depends on the neoliberal attitude of EU policy. The main conclusion is that, in order for the benefits of new technologies to outweigh the costs, it is necessary to acknowledge the political issues which are at stake. Direct forms of regulation should be put in place, such as mandatory labelling and the establishment of a public register of products and producers.