Nanotechnology promises better food processing, packaging and safety, improved flavor and nutrition, more ‘functional foods’ carrying medicines and supplements and lower costs. Higher yields in agriculture are also foreseen.
The food industry is busy doing nanotechnology research and development – Kraft, Nestle, Altria, H.J. Heinz, Unilever etc… They are lying low regarding publicity.
Concern over nanofood safety and regulations – ref. the bioethics of what it is that we do – has slowed the introduction of nanofood products. Research and development continue unabated, but companies seems to be quiet about what they do. Using nanotechnology in food without telling people about it is not desirable!
The risks must be asessed and dealt with in public through food safety authorities. It must be important to show customers what is going on, especially as uncertainty also leads to reduced acceptance of these foods with loss of possible benefits.