Category Research project
  • Analytik

Integration of New Approach Methodologies results in chemical risk assessments: Case studies addressing nanoscale considerations. - LOT 2: Risk assessment case studies

Project status
In Progress
Project start
Apr 2023
Project end
Mar 2027
Acronym
NAMS4NANO LOT 2
Department
Chemikalien- und Produktsicherheit

Description and Objective

New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), which can be broadly understood to include in silico, in chemico and in vitro methods including new testing tools such as “high-throughput screening” and “high-content methods” like the various omics approaches, bear great potential to advance chemical risk assessment. NAMs allow for higher throughput, use human-relevant models and allow for important insights into underlying toxicity mechanisms. However, their regularory implementation remains challenging, in particular for higher tier toxicological endpoints. Major obstacles are the lacking standardization of methods, reporting templates and data interpretation. This project specifically aims to advance risk assessment of nanomaterials (NM) in the food and feed sectors by the implementation of NAMs. The application of NAMs for NMs is in particular promising as NMs easily can be manufactured in plenty of variants. However, the particulate nature raises additional issues that have to be properly adressed. This project (Lot 2) conducts risk assessment case studies for five selected materials. These are 1) zinc oxide in conventional form with a possible nanoscaled fraction as a nutrient and as a nanomaterial as a novel food, 2) silicium dioxide as a food additive, 3) iron oxides as a food additive and in food contact materials, 4) silver as a food additive and in food contact materials and 5) copper oxide as a feed additive and as a potential pesticide. Selected NAMs will be evaluated in these case studies to generate relevant data for risk assessment purposes. Moreover, integrated approaches to testing and assessment (IATAs) will be developed.
Type of project

Third-party funded project

Research focus

Nanotechnologie: Nachweis, Toxikologie, Risikobewertung und Risikowahrnehmung

Organisational units and partners

Lead specialist group: Faser- und Nanotoxikologie (76)
Contact persons: PDshort foroutside lecturer Dr. Andrea Haase
Involved BfR partners: Lebensmittelsicherheit, Sicherheit in der Nahrungskette, Exposition, Chemikalien- und Produktsicherheit
External partner: Italian National Institute of Health, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety , Sciensano, National Institute For Public Health and The Environment, Wageningen University & Research, Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology, Singapore Food Agency, European Commission’s Joint Research Centre

Funding body and grant number

Europäische Behörde für Lebensmittelsicherheit
GP/EFSAshort forEuropean Food Safety Authority/MESE/2022/01

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