Food Nanoscience

Nanotechnology has great potential to positively impact the food sector through improvement of existing products and development of new ones. Although this burgeoning field holds tremendous potential, potential barriers and challenges must be addressed. Research is in progress to allow realization of the full potential of nanotechnology.

IFT has taken on a leadership role as a catalyst for research, innovation, and communication in nanotechnology, and is encouraging collaboration and information exchange among leading government, research, and policy institutions.

Recent Research

Items relating to an ongoing project on safety assessment of oral exposure to nanoscale materials include:

IFT Annual International Food Nanoscience Conference

Now in its fifth year, and to more adequately serve the specialized needs of researchers, R&D professionals, and scientists, IFT's International Food Nanoscience Conference has been redesigned to feature more advanced assessment of issues relevant to food science and the food industry.

2010 Conference ― Food Nanomaterials: Safety and Regulations, Government Investments, and Industry Needs

State of the Science on Safety/Toxicological Assessment of Nanomaterials for Food Applications
Bernadene Magnuson, Ph.D., Cantox Health Science International

Nanomaterials in FDA Regulated Products: Moving Forward with Science-based Risk Assessment
Paul Howard, Ph.D., National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food & Drug Administration

Detection of Nanoparticles in Food – An Analytical Challenge
Stefan Weigel, Ph.D., Wageningen University & Research Centre

Nanotechnology and Food Safety―FAO/WHO Expert Consultation & Australian Perspectives
Andrew Bartholomaeus, Ph.D., Food Standards Australia New Zealand

New and Emerging Applications of Nanotechnology in our Food Supply
John Floros, Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University

The Current Investment Highlights of U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative
Hongda Chen, Ph.D., USDA-National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Nanotechnology Investments: A Focus on the European Union
Chananit Sintuu, Lux Research

Regulatory Update for Nanotechnology
Annette McCarthy, Ph.D., Office of Food Additive Safety, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. FDA

Regulatory Update: Nanotechnology in the European Union
Kelly Starosta, Keller and Heckman LLP

The Nanofine Print: Legal Implications of Evolving Nano Food Guidance
Ann Grimaldi and Richard Canady, PhD., McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP

Other IFT Nanoscience Conference Reports & Proceedings