Further to the release of our anonymous consumer survey of 140 sunscreen and cosmetics companies, FOEA has just published our updated autumn 2010 Safe Sunscreen Guide. The guide includes information on the use of nanoparticles, chemical UV absorbers and fragrances in Australian sunscreens and cosmetics containing sunscreens. For frequently asked questions and answers about nanoparticles used in sunscreens and cosmetics, click here.

The European Parliament’s Environment Committee has affirmed its earlier vote to prohibit foods containing nanomaterials being sold in Europe until they undergo validated new risk assessment, are proven safe, are approved by ethical and environmental assessment and face mandatory labelling on products.

Are you concerned that nano-ingredients in foods sold in Australia don’t have to be labelled? Please make a submission to Australia’s national review of food labelling and add your voice to those calling for nano and GM ingredients in foods to face strict labelling to give us all a choice about eating them. Some dot points for you to consider including in your submission are below.

Following moves in the United Kingdom and Australia, Canada has taken action to ban the use of manufactured nanomaterials and nanotechnology in organics. The Organic and Non-GMO Report reveals that an amendment was added to Canada’s national organic rules banning nanotechnology as a “Prohibited Substance or Method.”