Role of Nanotechnology in Food Safety and Quality Enhancement

Background: Food safety concerns and quality deterioration during storage and transportation pose significant challenges to the global food industry, affecting approximately 600 million people annually through foodborne illnesses. Traditional preservation methods often fall short in maintaining nutritional quality while ensuring safety. 

Objective: This study evaluates the application of nanotechnology in enhancing food safety and quality preservation through nanomaterials and smart packaging systems. 

Methods: A comprehensive review of 150 research papers published between 2018-2024 was conducted, analyzing nanoparticle applications, antimicrobial efficacy, and quality enhancement mechanisms. Field trials were performed on 500 food samples using nano-enhanced packaging materials. 

Results: Nano-enhanced packaging systems demonstrated 85% reduction in microbial contamination and extended shelf life by 40% compared to conventional methods. Silver nanoparticles showed 99.9% antimicrobial efficacy against E. coli and Salmonella species. 

Conclusion: Nanotechnology presents promising solutions for food safety enhancement, offering superior preservation capabilities with minimal impact on nutritional quality, potentially revolutionizing food packaging and preservation industries.