Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of materials at a molecular scale, typically measured in nanometers, or billionths of a meter. In the food industry, this technology has generated considerable excitement among manufacturers who are exploring its potential applications, such as enhancing flavors or colors, increasing the bioavailability of nutrients, and identifying bacteria in packaging. However, initial enthusiasm from researchers and product developers faced resistance from consumers concerned about the safety of such technologies. In response, the FDA has issued guidelines for the application of nanotechnology in food, yet the industry remains cautious about how it communicates nanotech innovations to consumers.
Nanoscale compounds in food are not a recent development. For instance, they naturally occur in milk, where nanoscale casein particles contribute to its fat stability. Additionally, an inventory conducted by The Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies reveals that over 1,600 consumer products contain engineered nanoscale particles, which are already extensively used in food packaging to maintain quality and safety. Nanotechnology-based sensors can detect and measure elements such as oxygen or bacteria, including listeria. In the realm of ingredients, nanotechnology is currently more prevalent in supplements, such as calcium citrate zinc tablets, which benefit from improved absorption due to nanoencapsulation. This process safeguards sensitive compounds—like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and polyunsaturated fatty acids—allowing them to be released only upon reaching the gut, thereby enhancing their absorption while minimizing their effects on taste and appearance.
Effectively communicating the advantages of nanotechnology in food remains a significant challenge for the industry, with some claiming that it hinders progress in the sector. Nevertheless, with a wide range of applications that encompass enhanced food safety, improved nutrition, decreased food waste, and biodegradable packaging, it is inevitable that consumers will increasingly encounter nanoscale compounds, including those found in products like calcium citrate zinc tablets, in the coming years.