Discuss About The Illegal Potentially Nanoparticles In Baby.
Nestle is the world’s largest food and beverage corporation with more than 2000 brands and having its presence in 189 countries across the globe. Its main goal is to enable the citizens live a life which is healthy by nature, thereby contributing in providing them with a brighter future. It was Nestle who first introduced baby food to the world in 1867. Nestle religiously follows from more than a century now, their slogan “good food, good life”. Fierce competition has arisen, and the competitors are always trying their best to rise up the ladder of ranks leaving behind the company. So much that there has been various issues which the company has been facing such as people of New Zealand have been claiming that the baby products provided by them contain toxic nano particles, people in India have been made aware that the Maggi being provided by Nestle contains lead particles.
The said research is about what the customers in New Zealand think about, with regards the availability of toxic elements in the baby food provided by the company and what steps the company can take to revive their lost trust. Before the same is discussed about, one needs to understand why nano particles are being used in the baby food, to what extent and how the same is being processed so that the harmful content gets eradicated completely. It is true that Nestle is one of the food and beverage company which is also using nano technology for processing of food and packaging as well but that does not mean that the same is being done without taking care about the toxicity of the particles found in the nano particles.
The food regulators in Australia and New Zealand are being forced to evoke some of their brands of infant formulas post discovery of the fact that they have probably toxic nano particles. They have found that some of the infant formulas comprise of infinitesimal nano hydroxyapatite atoms, even when they were forbidden to be used and hence the Friends of the Earth are urging to recall back these products from the market (Friends of the Earth. 2017). However, the literature review would detail about the said issue and how the trust of the customers can be regained by making them aware of the correct details as the data available was not complete and on the basis of incomplete data, the said news was flashed which led to the change in the feelings of the customers of New Zealand.
Thus the main objective behind the said research is to find out the feelings of the New Zealand customers towards this issue i.e. availability of the toxic nano particles in the baby food produced by Nestle and how would the trust of the customers be regained back.
The issue is so critical since it is highlighting the harmful impacts of baby food formulas due to availability of needle like nano scale particles which is not well known to the world, but its implications can be hazardous and fatal. But the particular research would take into consideration only the seven baby food formulas which was picked up randomly from a store and tested. Along with the same, a detailed research is being conducted as to how did these particles occur in the baby food which was processed, and FSANZ is stating that the accusations imposed on them by Friends of the Earth (FoE) is incorrect without investigating further. In addition to the same, the sample chosen is too small i.e just six random customers, thus the limitations are also applicable to the number of participating interviewees. Further to this, the data collection method used is not primary data collection method due to which there are chances that the data collection method may be flawed. Lastly, not much research has yet been conducted with regards the view points of the customers on the said issue which also restricts the opinions stated by the customers to a small sample.
It is a known fact that babies are generally breast fed by their mothers, but there are exceptional cases wherein the mother is not able to feed her child and hence have to resort to baby food so as to fulfil the nutritional deficiencies. Nowadays, even though the mothers can breast feed their child, then also they prefer to start giving baby food to their child at a very early age, simple reason being these processed food contain various nutrients which otherwise the baby may be deprived of. Nestle is said to be the king in the said segment, so much that the food product by the name of Nan is used by mothers across the globe blindfolded.
Nestle has started to use nano technology while producing the baby formulas, as the new technology promises a better product for the babies. As was said earlier that usage of hydroxyapatite is forbidden, but the fact is that the same is an unsurprisingly stirring calcium rich mineral that provides strength to the bones and teeth due to which its usage in the preparation of baby formula is essential and acceptable (Maynard. 2016). Thus the preparation of baby formulas have underwent a drastic change due to the advent of the new nano technology.
Recognition of small quantum of a chemical pollutant in foodstuff arrangement is an additional budding use of nano technology. The fitness connotations of food dispensation methods that manufacture nano particles and nano scale emulsions also confirm the notice of food regulators. The possibility for such foodstuffs to direct to novel health hazards should be interrogated so as to confirm whether or not associated new food standards are needed or not. Thus there is an immediate requirement for regulatory systems, who have the potential of taking care of the risks related with nanofood and the utilisation of nano technology in the food industry. In Australia and New Zealand, nanofood additives and components are managed by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ), under the Food Standards Code . Further the regulations imposed in Australia are still fighting to upkeep side by side of speedy development of nano technology into agriculture and food industry (Alfadul & Elneshwy. 2010).
It is crucial to understand that nanoscale materials are not novel by nature as food is made up of nanoscale sugars, amino acids, peptides and proteins, out of which a lot of it lead to planned, purposeful nanostructures. Such as proteins fall the category of nanoscale size array and milk is a mixture of nanoscale fat droplets. These elements have been a part of the intake of humans from years without understanding any kind of unforeseen impact on the health due to the nanoscale size of the component. Thus it is understood that food safety is a part of nanotechnology as some materials when developed in the nano scale may possess varying properties (Friends of the Earth. 2016). Hence, while replying to nanotechnologies, the concentration of FSANZ ‘s work is not on the size of the component but on the materials that may behave in an erratic manner biologically or chemically if found in the final food.
The health related results with regards the ways and means of processing food that lead to the production of nano particles and nano scale components also is a cause of concern for the food regulators as well. The food standards are required to be updated and new laws introduced, in order to cope up with the toxicity posed by the nano materials. Thus there is an urgency which has been reported with regards the nanofood and the usage of nanotechnologies in the said industry. The governments are expected to react to the said technology’s societal, financial, communal freedom and moral challenges. In order to guarantee self-governing rule of the nanotechnologies in the critical segment of food and agriculture, the engagement of the public in the decision making is a compulsion.
The Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (The Code) comprises of food standards for food additives , vitamins and minerals, dispensation assist, contaminants and natural toxicants, articles and materials in contact with food. Submissions with regards novel food materials produced with the help of nanotechnologies or integrating new nanoscale substances will be examined under the present standards. In December 2008, FSANZ tightened the needs with regards the size of the materials in its Application Handbook to confirm that an applicant provides correct data for FSANZ to carry out risk evaluation on a product produced with the help of nanotechnologies.
Amongst the various disputes showed up by the nanotechnologies, perhaps the highest is the requirement to smooth the progress of an impartial and well-versed argument about the administration and outcomes of novel technology in the food industry. FSANZ understands that the consumer’s understanding of risk can be prejudiced by various factors, comprising of their standard of intelligence and knowledge, values and comprehension of the issues as well as a person’s echelon of reception of the supposed gain. Under the present regulatory engagements the echelon of risk pretence by products of nanotechnologies in food and food packaging is said to be low and FSANZ’s conservative risk management tactics is construed to be adequate to prolong a suitable and satisfactory rank of health fortification (Fletcher & Bartholomaeus. 2011).
Baby formulas nowadays contain nano-sized particles which are of concern as some of them have toxic impacts. Many queries crop up due to the usage of nanotechnologies in the production of baby formulas nowadays. There are many things that are a part of the baby formula such as proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins, however parents would not have expected of finding an exceptionally small needle like particles in the baby food until the same was discovered in Nestle’s baby food formula. The main area of concern discussed in the said research report is how the customers of New Zealand would believe about being aware of the toxic nano particles in the Nestle’s baby food formula and what steps could be take to regain the lost trust of the customers due to the said issue. Thus the main research design would comprise of taking a first-hand feedback from a couple of customers which would help to understand what they feel about the said issue. Basis the said data collected, a suitable methodology would be framed to regain the faith.
The information for carrying out the research program is collected by conducting a face to face interaction with some customers on an adhoc basis. The study is conducted basis a secondary set of data and information base. Therefore it connotes that the below stated information is needed to be accumulated:
Given that the said research points towards the reaction of customers of New Zealand after knowing the availability of nano particles which are toxic in the baby food formula manufactured by Nestle, it can be understood that only those customers who use Nestle products in specific and the prospective customers as well, who wish to use it in the near future can be taken into account for the sample study and the review.
The main decisive factor which can be taken into account for the particular research is that the customer should have been trusting over the product and be aware of the said issue and the customers are aware of Nestle as a brand for baby food formula. A review related to communication string was developed with 6 customers who were asked a set of preset questions. The questions asked were:
The research was conducted after taking into account the ethical part of the study. The names of the customers have been kept anonymous so that their identity is not revealed and adequate privacy is maintained. Further, only that part of the data has been mentioned which ensures that the customers are not offended and their respect with regards their feelings towards usage of a product is maintained adequately.
The main goal behind accomplishing the said research is to ascertain the believes and feeling of the customers of New Zealand on knowing about the toxic nanoparticles present in the baby food formula manufactured by Nestle. Further to the same, the study would also evaluate the data collected on interviewing 6 random customers who use or are prospective users of the Nestle baby food. The said proposal would be hypothetical by nature as the sample size is too small.
The sample data being used is too small and does not comprise of a set pattern. The choice of customers is random, thereby constituting of direct contact with the customers, interviewing them so as to collect their views. Two specific data analysis tools are being used which would enable to provide a concrete structure to the said research- data vi sualisation tools and sentiment tools. The former is being used as we need to analyse the interactions happenings with the customers- first hand data which will not be available via the internet as it would make cross questioning difficult. Face to face discussion and communication would enable to procure better information about the same. The latter is being used as when it comes to a child’s health, parents become sentimental and their reactions are driven by emotions rather than understandings.
Six people were selected on a random basis from New Zealand who have kids and use baby food formulas, NAN by Nestle to feed them. The above mentioned questions were asked to them and to the surprise of all, the answers were not very contrasting by nature. The names of the customers were A,B,C,D,E and F and they were asked the preset questions. All of them have kids between the age group 6 months to two years and they all use Nestle baby food formula, NAN only. Of them all, A and D have two kids and they had used it for their elder ones also and had satisfactory facial expressions when asked about the product they use. They narrated that NAN HA Gold 1 is one of the best product they have used. A, B, D and E stated that they had best experience with the said product and the other two stated that they are satisfied but would not mind shifting to another baby formula brand as well basis reviews from the public.
The next question asked was whether they are aware of the properties and the benefits of using the Nestle’s baby food formula. C and F said that they were using it because it is the most widely used and trusted baby formula used by most of the mothers and were not much interested to intrude into the benefits it has for the babies health. Almost all of them but for sure were aware of the fact that the said formula was made out of cow’s milk and is designed specifically to confirm that those babies who are fed the formula based food are able to get high quality nutrition intake. The said formula is best for the infants right from their birth, thus the best for those babies as well who could not be breastfed (Nestle.com.au. 2018). Therefore confirming that the mothers did possess the basic knowledge about the product they are using for their babies, shows that the customers are concerned about their babies and the food being fed to them.
Till the third question was put forward, the mothers seemed to be quite happy with the product they were using. However, once asked about the knowledge on nanotechnologies and the same being used for the production of baby formulas by Nestle, the answer was divided i.e. half the crowd said they were aware whereas the other half said they were in dark about this technology. Those who were aware knew that the said technology has a huge number of applications which comprises of being a part of the food additives as well of which baby formula is one of the same. A and D who have two kids gave the most positive answer about it stating that the nanotechnologies hue and cry is basically a methodology to scare the parents. But unfortunately who were not at all aware of the pros and cons of the said technology showed a very negative emotion, wherein they even made statements such as “I will throw away all the boxes of NAN that are there at my home and soon find another baby food formula best for my baby being produced without the said technology.” Thus it clearly shows that those aware of nanotechnologies are taking the matter in a more mature manner. However, the feelings of the customers of New Zealand who fall under the category of those three mothers who are unaware of the said technology is negative which is to some extent impacting the company’s reputation as well.
Post the third question, when these customers were made aware of the said issue and their viewpoints on the same was collected, there was an initial panic amongst the four mothers but for A and D, may be they have researched the issue and read about it in detail and understood the issue maturely. The initial emotional outburst after knowing about the needle shape particle found in the NAN boxes, made them even worry about the health of their kids as they have been consuming it from long. However, A and D had made it very clear in their interview that they were aware of the same and have stopped giving it already to their kids, but that does not deter them being from loyal to Nestle for other products and also the fact that they would resume using the same after the issues are clarified. Unlike them, the other four had suddenly become anti-Nestle for the group as a whole.
After the reaction received by the mothers, the next question which immediately hit the mind was do they actually think a company which is dedicated towards providing a good life to their customers would ever think of endangering the lives of the infants. To this, all the six had expressed similar views. They believed Nestle would not do something or manufacture such a product which would be harmful to anyone, but at the same time they also said that they would wait for the results and the final opinion about the said issue before they start to reuse it again for their infants and kids. Thus the emotional part of the parents over shadowed the fact that even though they trust the brand, they would still wait for the skies to clear. This also answers the last question which was suppose to be asked, i.e. Nestle should be given a chance to prove itself correct and the world wrong. The users have liked the product so much, they seem to be unwilling to switch to some other brand and hence would definitely want to give a chance to them to prove to the world that the truth is not this and that their babies are safe in their hands as well.
On relating the data collected and understanding the data analysis tool i.e. data visualisation and sentimental, it is understood that although the reviews are mixed about the said issue, yet not many are aware. Further to this, people have not lost the trust over the age old brand; just that they are waiting for the food regulators to investigate the issue in depth so that a clearer view is understood and if any such issue is there, then the company would definitely do something to eradicate the endangerment.
Most of the people as per the sample data collected, are unaware about nanotechnology and hence first and foremost a detailed awareness about the same should be narrated. The nanoparticles that were found in the baby food formula comprised of silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide. However, hydroxyapatite was also discovered in some of the baby food formulas which included the one manufactured by Nestle as well, which is rich in calcium but is not easily soluble, thus difficult to digest for babies.
Further as was said by A and D and even the other mothers as well, they would switch over to Nestle once they are sure about the news to be false. Various experts have made it clear that the said nanoparticles in baby food should not be alarming. As per Dr. Ian Musgrave, a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Adelaide has said that “nanoparticles have become the latest bogeyman, despite nanoparticles occurring naturally.” As per his research, milk comprises of calcium and phosphorous and hydroxyapatite is just one of the types of calcium phosphate. Also the said baby food formulas have been tested on animals with regards the level of toxicity and the result is negative (Pash, 2017). Thus it is confirmed by him that there exists no scary health related risks on discovering such particles in the baby food formulas. FoE had taken seven samples, of which they found the said nanoparticles in three samples and Professor Ian Rae, an advisor to the United Nations Environment Program on chemicals in the environment has stated the said situation as ‘nano scare.’ The investigators are simply trying to complex the issue and make it sound grave by continuously repeating the phrase ‘needle like (Businessday. 2017).’ The food regulators are not recalling it or are in support of Nestle, simply because these nanoparticles are produced naturally out of hydroxyapatite which melts very easily with the acids secreted by the digestive system (Australian Associated Press & Margan,2017).
Hence the theory produced and the review stated makes it clear that the claim made by FSANZ that there exists no proof that reveal that the formulas create risk to the health of the babies and young kids is correct due to which they are not recalling the product or stating stringent regulations (Hardy,2017).
Hence those mothers including the samples collected, ultimately it is there personal views to feed or not to feed their kids with the said baby food formula. Those mothers such as A and D who are loyal to Nestle and others too who are pro the baby food formula produced by Nestle as against the other companies, should chose to adopt a mainstream vision and should agree to the recommendation presented by FSANZ. Lastly, the mothers should interrogate into the matter on their own by reading details and materials about this new technology and take a self wise decision (Louis, 2017).
Lastly, there exists a gap with regards the nano knowledge, due to which some have demanded for a complete ban and have also panicked the customers on the usage of nanotechnologies in the food products until and unless the safety and security is confirmed totally (Nestle, 2015)
Conclusion
Thus it seems that the entire research was made on the basis of incomplete and inadequate facts and figures with regards the oral cosmetic products and hence the importance is very limited with respect to the ‘trace amounts’ of nanoparticles by the name of hydroxyapatite found in the baby formulas. It is to be construed that safety related problems would be in relation to the constituent elements and in this case it is calcium and phosphate and both are very crucial for the positive health benefits, thereby their addition in the baby food formula is not hazardous.
However, the fact that there still lies no adequate regulation with regards the said nanotechnologies and the harmful impacts of nanoparticles in some situations calls for an immediate regulatory requirements before the said being used intensively and extensively in food processing, packaging and food contact as well. The research is still at its nascent stage and it is highly recommended that greater degree of research is required to understand the perils of nanomaterials, specifically concentrating upon the size of the particle, irrespective of the fact that some of the chemical materials which are larger in size are secure than when they are in the nano condition.
much that the super market from where the samples were picked has also to a reputational loss. Nestle will have to conduct the test more carefully and issue various reports to make people aware about the said nanoparticles. The company will have to advertise in a manner which would make people believe that the company still follows its age old slogan. They will have to mention in more detail the ingredients being used and get itself registered with FSANZ with regards various regulations in respect of nanotechnologies. Although it is using the said technology for the good of its customers, yet Nestle should try to produce the product by some other means which would help it regain the lost trust. Lastly, the lost trust can be regained by making some changes in their packaging mannerisms which should be anti nanoparticles and the baby food formula should be adequately tested on animals and each box should be checked more thoroughly so that such a mishap doesn’t happen again. Free samples of the product should be distributed and workshops for the would be as well as mothers of infants should be conducted and they should be made aware of the entire issue and where the glitches are. Thus awareness and providing proofs about the safety of the product is the only way the lost trust can be regained.
Hence on a concluding note, it is understood that the story line published by FoE is basis a methodology which is not full proof and pitiable science. It has been repeatedly confirmed by the researchers and the medicinal scientists that needle like hydroxyapatite doesn’t cause harm always but at the same time it is not at *all risk free. There may be situations when some of the users of the baby feed formulas may suffer from some stomach related issues, but at the same time, the extra miniscule needle shaped nanoparticles can also prove to be an effective source of dietary calcium.
References
Australian Associated Press & Margan,M. (2017). Toxic ‘needle-like’ nanoparticles similar to ASBESTOS are ‘found in baby-formula’- but regulators refuse to issue an urgent recall. Retrieved from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4657982/Baby-formula-recall-toxic-needle-like-nanoparticles.html
Alfadul,S.M. & Elneshwy, A.A. (2010). Use of nanotechnology in food processing, packaging and safety review. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development. 10(6). 2719-2739. Retrieved from https://www.bioline.org.br/request?nd10062
Businessday. (2017). Study finds ‘potentially toxic’ nanoparticles in baby formula sold in New Zealand. Retrieved from https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/94310914/study-finds-potentially-toxic-nanoparticles-in-baby-formula-sold-in-new-zealand
Fletcher,N. & Bartholomaeus,A. (2011). Regulation in Nanotechnologies in Food in Australia and New Zealand. International Food Risk Analysis Journal. 1(2). 33-40. Retrieved from file:///C:/Users/E-ZONE/Downloads/InTech_Regulation_of_nanotechnologies_in_food_in_australia_and_new_zealand.pdf
Friends of the Earth. (2016). Nano-particles in Baby formula: Tiny new ingredients are a big concern. Retrieved from https://1bps6437gg8c169i0y1drtgz-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/wpallimport/files/archive/FOE_NanoBabyFormulaReport_13.pdf
Friends of the Earth. (2017). Illegal and potentially toxic nanoparticles in baby formula. Retrieved from https://emergingtech.foe.org.au/illegal-and-potentially-toxic-nanoparticles-found-in-baby-formula/
Hardy,T. (2017). Confusion over warning to recall popular baby formula from shelves. Retrieved from https://www.mouthsofmums.com.au/confusion-over-warning-to-recall-popular-baby-formula-from-shelves/#ouE8biEZZ1awC03z.97
Louis,V. (2017). Breaking News: There is No Baby Formula Recall. Here’s What You Need To Know. Retrieved from https://mumcentral.com.au/baby-formula-recall/
Maynard,A. (2016). Nanoparticles in baby formula: should parents be worried? Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/nanoparticles-in-baby-formula-should-parents-be-worried-59246
Nestle.com.au. (2018). NAN OPTIPRO HA 1 GOLD. Retrieved from https://www.nestle.com.au/brands/baby-toddler-nutrition/nan-infant/nan-optipro-ha-1-gold
Nestle,M. (2015). Food Politics. Retrieved from https://www.foodpolitics.com/tag/nanotechnology/
Pash,C. (2017). Are ‘needle like’ nanoparticles found in Australia infant formula dangerous? Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.com.au/are-needle-like-nanoparticles-found-in-australian-infant-formula-dangerous-2017-7
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