ABSTRACT
316Nanotechnology research and application in the food industry is getting focused on food packaging. With the increasing global customer base, food retailing is transforming. However, with the move toward globalization, food packaging requires longer shelf-life, along with monitoring food safety and quality based upon international standards. Application of nanobased packaging material is helpful in achieving the same. Nano-based packaging modifies the physical properties of packaging material thereby providing enhanced gas and water vapor barrier, improving mechanical and heat-resistance, controlling microbial growth, delaying oxidation, detection of food spoilage, creating nano-biodegradable packaging materials, and providing brand protection. Nanotechnology has a prospective revolution in the food industry. It is also being used in innovative development of biosensors for detection of pathogens and chemical contaminants. Besides, this new technology has also raised serious concerns about toxicological aspects of nanoparticles in food, with emphasis on the risk assessment and safety issues. Also, it reflects the urgent need for regulatory framework capable of managing any risks associated with implementation of nanoparticles in food technology. This chapter focuses on tremendous benefits of nanotechnology in food industry in terms of food packaging, safety, and quality control as well as its safety concerns related to its migration in food system.
