In what is thought to be the first-ever regulation of nanotechnology, a British organic certifier announced that it would prohibit the inclusion of manufactured nanoparticles in products it certifies.

The new ban was put in place by the Soil Association, the UK’s largest certifier of organic products. Its ban takes effect as of January 2008 and will only apply to products labeled organic.  Personal care products already containing nanomaterials will continue to be unregulated.
 
“We’re finally seeing the beginning of some long-overdue protection for consumers against potentially dangerous nanoparticles,” said Friends of the Earth-U.S. Health and Environment Campaigner Ian Illuminato. “But today’s action only protects residents of the United Kingdom who buy organic.  It’s time for U.S. certifiers, companies and regulators to get with the program and protect Americans too.”