Nanotechnology in food?

Nanotechnology is currently being used in the Food industry. According to an article recently posted on the Scientific American the Miller Brewing Co. is at the forefront of using nanoparticles in food packaging. In fact Miller has started to produce plastic beer bottles imbeded with clay nanoparticles to decrease breakability and improve shelf-life. Several other products like Simply H's Toddler Health nutritional drink mike and a wide range of cooking and cleaning products have nano-size particles of various substances within the product.

The environmental group Friends of the Earth reported that none of the more than 100 food or food-related products it identifies as containing nanoparticles bears a warning label or has undergone safety testing by government agencies. "Products created using nanotechnology have entered the food chain. Preliminary studies indicate there is a serious risk…. We should know that it's safe before we put it in our food," says report author Ian Illuminato, FoE's health and environment lobbyist.

For example, it remains unclear whether nanoparticles used in food packaging might migrate or leach into food or beverages. And it is completely unknown what impact a wide variety of these nanoparticles might have on human health. "It all comes down to the need for more research. We can't fly blind here. We need to know what's going on," Maynard says. "There is no hard evidence that nanomaterials in products on the market will harm humans or the environment, but there is enough evidence to say that we need to reexamine.''


The report builds on several studies in recent years that have shown that some nanoparticles may cause harm. A 2005 study in Environmental Science & Technology showed that zinc oxide nanoparticles were toxic to human lung cells in lab tests even at low concentrations. Other studies have shown that tiny silver particles killed liver and brain cells from rats. "They are more chemically reactive and more bioactive," Illuminato says, because of their size, which allows them to easily penetrate organs and cells. "Products should be at least labeled so consumers can choose whether they want to be part of this experiment."

GMO's or genetically modified foods and irradiated foods have been questioned for safety. Now it is nano particles turn to be analyzed, critiqued, poked and prodded. Soon scientist will be able to prove that nanotechnology within  food and food packaging is safe. Stay tuned, more to come.