Backgrounder: Nanotechnology An IFT Scientific Perspective

Nanotechnology and Food: An IFT Perspective
Nanotechnology, also known as nanoscale science, engineering and technology, is a rapidly growing field of research and applied science that is revolutionizing various sectors of the economy including medicine, energy, electronics and defense. Examples include:

  • Low cost, high efficiency solar cells for clean energy;
  • Technologies for cleaning environmental pollution and contamination;
  • And several air force technologies for defense. (http://www.nano.gov/AFRLNanobooklet.pdf)

There is great potential to impact the food and agriculture sector with on-going research and developmental initiatives in many areas of application. Nanotechnology is thus an enabling science that allows development of a wide range of new technologies across a vast array of fields.

Public interest in nanotechnology as it relates to food has significantly increased in recent years. Particular interest has focused on research discoveries on applications of nanosciences and nanotechnologies in food; potential safety implications; and calls for rigorous regulatory oversight.

IFT recognizes the great potential for nanosciences and nanotechnologies to positively impact the food industry, and supports objective and well-designed research and development efforts in the sector.

The potential benefits include:

  • Safer and more nutritious food products with better quality and stability,
  • Improved processing and packaging systems that enhance safety, quality and shelf-life of food products,
  • Better ingredients and nutrient delivery systems that promote consumer health and wellness,
  • Minimized energy use and environmental impact,
  • And other benefits such as reduction of food losses.

Although some of these benefits can be achieved using conventional food science and technology, nanotechnology offers improved speed of delivery, enhanced efficacy and greater efficiency at a lower cost.

Alongside the great benefits are potential challenges and barriers related to environmental and human health safety that may negatively impact the safety of the food supply chain. IFT supports the need to identify, define and mitigate such concerns in order to realize the full potential of nanotechnology in food.

IFT has taken on a leadership role as a catalyst for research, innovation, and communication. IFT is also making considerable effort to encourage collaboration and exchange of information with leading government, research and policy institutions, both domestically and internationally.

Conclusions
Nanotechnology has the potential to improve the standards of living and strengthen economic growth. As observed in other sectors, there is little doubt that nanotechnology has an important role to play in the food sector. This can be realized through increased funding and coordinated research on applications and safety as well as development of science-based regulatory framework to ensure consumer and environmental health and safety. A process for public engagement to provide awareness and education on the potential benefits and risks is also needed.

IFT's Role in Food Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology-related activities are led by the IFT Nanoscience Advisory Panel that was formed in 2006. The panel consists of 14 members representing academia, government and industry. IFT’s past, current, and future activities to further advance the field of food nanoscience are outlined below.

Educational Activities: IFT conducts an annual international food nanoscience conference in conjunction with the IFT’s Annual Meeting and Food Expo (AMFE) since 2006. This year’s conference themed “Food Nanomaterials: Safety and Regulations, Government Investments, and Industry Needs” will be held in Chicago, Illinois. IFT also offers opportunity for researchers in the field to present their data and research findings through the scientific programming at the AMFE. IFT also holds webinars and short courses on the subject as well as provides distinguished speakers for various forums. IFT is currently in the process of developing an on-line food nanoscience course that will serve as a background for scientists interested in the field.

Research activities: IFT is working in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration, Grocery Manufacturers Association, International Life Sciences Institute-North America, and Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory of the National Cancer Institute to establish and increase the knowledge and understanding of the safety of nanomaterials with potential for use in food-related applications. The result of this activity is a comprehensive report on safety of nanomaterials in food. Plans are underway to develop a road map that will address research gaps and spearhead the future development of the technology to address industry, consumer, and regulatory needs.

Publications and reports: IFT has taken on publishing scientific reports and briefs through various IFT publications. Examples are the 2006 scientific status summary on food nanotechnology and numerous other reports in the Food Technology magazines. IFT encourages scientists to publish their research findings in the IFT journals. In 2008, a section devoted to food nanoscience was established in the Journal of Food Science titled “Nanoscale Food Science, Engineering, and Technology.”

Communication and outreach: IFT is constantly looking to serve as an unbiased source of scientific information on emerging issues. IFT has established a nanoscience webpage to house food nanotechnology information (http://www.ift.org/cms/?pid=1001976). Furthermore, IFT continually monitors federal government activities and strives to provide feedback on government reports and initiatives with the goal of obtaining increased recognition and funding for nanoscale science and technology with food and food-related applications.

For details on comments submitted to date visit the IFT Nanoscience website at http://members.ift.org/IFT/Research/PolicyCommentsandPositions/. IFT also strives to reach out to consumers and the general public through collaborations with other stakeholders including government, policy/consumer organizations, and media. Outreach efforts on public engagement have been made to the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO), USDA-NIFA, ICAN Productions (a science literacy and public education) and Museum of Science in Boston.