Food industry too secretive?
8th January 2010
The food industry has been criticised for being ‘too secretive’ by an influential committee in the House of Lords.
Publishing its report into nanotechnologies and food, the Lords Science and Technology Committee called on the food industry to be more transparent about its research into nanotechnologies.
The report claims public trust in food safety and scientific development could be eroded without the ‘key components’ of transparency and honesty.
Committee chairman, Lord Krebs said: “The use of nanotechnologies in food and food packaging is likely to grow significantly over the next decade.
“The technologies have the potential to deliver some significant benefits to consumers but it is important that detailed and thorough research into potential health and safety implications in this area is undertaken now to ensure that any possible risks are identified.
“The lesson from the public reaction to GM foods is that secrecy breeds mistrust, and that openness and transparency are crucial to maintain public confidence.”
Read the full news story at Farmers Guardian