Advances in nanotechnologies. How they are creating better foods

Abstract

Advances in nanoscale science and technologies offer opportunities to help solve some of the food and nutrition related problems the world faces. It can help make food production more sustainable and provide new protein rich products to the ever increasing world population. It will help people stay healthier in a preventive healthcare way of life. Opportunities will be created for food products that address certain food related health problems like obesity. With micro and nanotechnologies new devices will be developed that help to quickly assess the quality and safety of food products. New packaging concepts will offer longer shelf life of fresh products and convenience to consumers. But is it safe to use manmade nanostructured materials in food? Although not everything is yet known, it appears that health risks predominantly are associated with certain persistent nanoparticles. So far these are rarely used in food products. But still the consumer remains hesitant to accept nanotechnologies in food. Reliable communication about both the benefits and the risks can help to make informed choices and to build trust in the applications of nanotechnologies in foo