Food Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology deals with objects that are measured in nanometers, or a millionth of a millimeter in size. Nanotechnology is being applied to food production and food packaging. Applications of nano-particles to food include antimicrobial filters to improve food safety; Smart (spatially directed, time-controlled release, intelligent control) delivery of nutrients, proteins and antioxidants directly to targeted body parts and cells; food products that remain fresh longer and that inhibit the absorption of harmful elements; and improved food packaging to increase shelf-life and decrease spoilage and contamination. Nanotechnology, however, might pose a potential danger when introduced into the air, water, soil and food precisely because of its minute size. Safety to persons and environments remains the most important ethical question about nanotechnology. Currently, nanotechnology in food-manufacturing is more poorly regulated in the United States, Europe and Japan than conventional food.
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