Knowledge gaps in risk assessment of nanosilica in food: evaluation of the dissolution and toxicity of different forms of silica

Abstract

This manuscript describes the follow-up study of our previous publication on the presence and risks of nanosilica in food. New information on the presence of nanosilica in the gastrointestinal tract is evaluated and information on nanosilica and synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) is compared to assess its relevance for risk assessment of nanosilica in food. Irrespective of whether SAS should be regarded as a nanomaterial or a non-nanoform of silica, a comparison to nanosilica is relevant to determine whether there are differences in physicochemical properties, which may lead to differences in toxicity. Based on this comparison, knowledge gaps are identified and recommendations for a targeted approach to facilitate risk assessment of nanosilica in food are given. Considering the discussion to which extent nanomaterials with (slightly) different physicochemical characteristics can be grouped for risk assessment – the sameness issue – actual exercises as presented in this manuscript are highly relevant for bringing this discussion forward.

Keywords::

• Risk assessment
• nanosilica
• food
• SAS
• nanoparticles

Acknowledgements

This research was commissioned and financed by the Dutch Food and Product Safety Authority (VWA).