Is Your Yogurt Full of Nano Metals?

Is Your Yogurt Full of Nano Metals?

How and why these particles may be showing up in your food

You'd never know it, but foods you eat on the regular may contain tiny metals mixed up in their formulas.

Wait: Huh? You see, nanotechnology is the process by which nature is deconstructed at the most microscopic level, making metals super-small in order to deliver revolutionary new benefits you can't get from the original substance. The use of nanotechnology, especially in food, has increased dramatically over the past six years, according to a report by Friends of the Earth, an organization that promotes reforms for a healthier planet. It's especially prevalent in dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and chocolate. For instance, according to Mother Jones, nanoparticles of titanium dioxide make white foods like yogurt whiter and more appealing to consumers, as well as brighten up the super-dark cocoa in chocolate. They're even found in some non-edib le products: Nano-sized silver, for instance, can be used as super-strong antibacterial agents—now found in bath towels, toothpaste, and other consumer products—whereas regular silver does not have the same potent effect. 

In total, there are more than 1,600 consumer products on the market now that utilize nanotechnology. The issue: While the technology sounds cool, experts don't yet know what unintended side effects these super-tiny, altered metals may have, and if they could negatively impact your health. According to a draft put forth by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposing regulation of these nano metals in the food supply, "so-called nano-engineered food substances can have significantly altered bioavailability and may, therefore, raise new safety issues that have not been seen in their traditionally manufactured counterparts." Eek. Thing is, the FDA’s call for regulation has seemingly halted since the initial draft was introduced in 2012.

MORE: The Scary Ingredient in Antibacterial Soaps—And Why It Just Got Banned in One State

Friends of the Earth has worked on several reports looking at the potential impacts of nano metals. Although much is unknown, these particles may have the potential to "disrupt delicate and vital systems" if they travel to areas of the body they are not supposed to be in, according to their nanoparticle expert Ian Illuminato.

Again, right now we just don't know what the effects are. If you're concerned, Illuminato says cutting back on processed food will help eliminate exposure to these altered metals—and is always a good way to go, anyway. "Keep things simple," he says. "Lots of greens are key." Beyond that, as long as the impacts are unknown, we should just be aware that these tiny, altered metals are in consumer products and food items—and start talking about it. If you'd like to take a look at some of the products containing nanotechnology, you can find the list here.

MORE: 3 Easy Ways to Cut Back on Processed Foods

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