BfR Annual Report 2015

BfR

Annual Report 2015

Oral intake of metallic nanoparticles

Nanoparticles are used with increasing frequency due

to special properties that can enhance certain products

(such as antimicrobial effect, UV protection, solubility of

vitamins). A BfR consumer survey showed that accept-

ance levels for these kinds of products are lower the

closer the product in question comes to the body of the

user. The willingness to purchase sealing products con-

taining nanoparticles – car polish, for example – is very

high, while acceptance levels for nanoproducts in the

food segment are very low.

The BfR works according to the principle “From the field to the plate”. This means that the entire food

chain needs to be considered in safety concepts if the aim is healthy food. In addition to the Food Safety

department, the Biological Safety and Safety in the Food Chain departments also work within the food safety

field. The knowledge gained from the toxicological, microbiological and nutritional evaluation of feed and

food provides the scientific basis for deriving maximum levels or limits. The Exposure department helps to

characterise the relevant risks by drawing up estimates for intake quantities based on consumption studies

and statistical evaluations. Furthermore, external, independent experts from nine BfR committees advise

the BfR on issues of food safety on a voluntary basis.

Food Safety

The extent to which consumers intentionally or uninten-

tionally come into contact with these products is not al-

ways known. They certainly come into contact with silver

nanoparticles in packaging materials that prolong the

shelf life of food products, as the producers refer to the

use of these nanoparticles on the packaging itself. Food

supplements containing nanosilver are available on the

internet, accompanied by unproven claims that they have

a curative effect on a wide range of complaints. As na-

noscale materials might be particularly toxic, the BfR in-

vestigates whether uptake occurs and the intake of these

particles is associated with health risks.

Regular intake of larger amounts of nanosilver

via products such as food supplements can damage

the barrier function of the intestinal mucosa.