Germany's Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) recommends that manufacturers refrain from using nanosilver in consumer products.

Silver and silver compounds release silver ions that can inhibit the growth of germs. For that reason they are used  in cosmetics, textiles and household appliances. Furthermore, silver is approved as a dye for food (E174). Recently, the manufacturers of consumer products have been increasingly using silver in the form of nanoparticles, too. Nanoparticles are particles with a diameter of less than 100 nanometres. The properties of nanoparticles differ from those of larger particles of the same substance. It is these special properties that make them interesting for various applications. However, it has still to be ascertained whether their toxic properties change and they could become a health risk for consumers. BfR feels there is a need for research to elucidate the fundamental issues in conjunction with the use of nanoscale silver as an antimicrobial material. On what scale do consumers come into contact with nanoscale particles? How big is the danger of resistance development?

BfR recommends refraining from using any nanoscale silver in consumer products until a definitive safety assessment becomes available. In any case nanoscale additives in food require approval. Nanosilver has not been approved for use in food. BfR welcomes this in the context of the yet to be answered questions about risk assessment.