The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee has launched an inquiry into the use of nanotechnologies in the food sector.

A sub-committee has been appointed to undertake the investigation, to be chaired by Lord Krebs to look into the use of nanotechnologies in food at a time when their use in the production and manufacture of food and food packaging is in its infancy.

Many possible food applications are at a research stage millions is being spent worlwide is by governments and the food industry to apply nanotechnologies in areas such as food processing, food safety and packaging.

The inquiry will focus on the use of nanotechnologies in food products, additives and supplements, as well as food contact packaging, food manufacturing processes, animal feed, pesticides and fertilisers and products that may come into contact with food, such as food containers and cooking utensils.

t will also study the current state of nanotechnologies research and development, where to apply the technology, what risks does it put the consumer under, its regulation and public awareness of nanotechnologies in the food sector.

Lord Krebs, chairman of the Science and Technology Sub-Committee on Nanotechnologies and Food, said: "This is an area of the food industry that is being researched and advanced at a rapid rate. It is essential that we are aware of all the issues that surround the use of such technologies in the production of food in order that we can make informed decisions about the impacts and changes that an increased use of nanotechnologies might cause.

"Our inquiry will explore four key aspects of the use of nanotechnologies: the state of the science and its current use in the food sector; health and safety implications; the regulatory framework, and public engagement and consumer information.

"It is critical that the UK remains fully engaged in this fast developing field and plays a key role in the industry and its development. We intend to highlight those areas where our understanding of the use of nanotechnologies in food needs the most urgent attention, allowing us to take action to ensure appropriate steps are taken."

Nanotechnology is the control of matter on an atomic and molecular scale. Generally nanotechnology deals with structures of the size 100 nanometers or smaller, and involves developing materials or devices within that size.