ABSTRACT
Nanotechnology employs formulating, characterizing, and/or manipulating structures, designs, or materials at nanometer level (0.2-100 nm). It has wide applications and many products are in use currently in food packaging sector. Further, more research work is on-going for its usage likelihoods in food packaging industry. Numerous workers have reported the merits of nanomaterials used in packaging in terms of product quality, processing attributes and prolonged storage duration. No harmful effects have been reported till date. Nevertheless, steps should be taken to ensure its usage keeping in view consumer acceptability and safety. Appropriate labeling and adherence to guidelines (FDA 2014) is required to ensure safety and efficacy. This chapter provides an insight into applications of nanotechnology in various sectors of food science, namely, food processing, food additive delivery systems, nanosensors and fruit and vegetable packaging besides discussing their antimicrobial, barrier and coating properties. Nanotechnology is quickly making its own niche in processing and packaging of food products.
