Nanotechnology involves reducing common materials to the size of microscopic particles and allowing them to acquire unusual properties.
In their report, "Nanotechnologies and Food", the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee argued that the current approach of food companies in not publishing or discussing details of their research in this area is "unhelpful".
The Committee added that the food industry was concerned about being more secretive than cautious.
The Food and Drink Federation, the leading representative of food and beverage manufacturers in the UK, says the criticism is unjustified.
"We support the report's recommendation for the formation of an open discussion group to bring more transparency. We are already engaged in such initiatives, both at UK and EU level."
