Abstract
From the current state-of-the-art, it is clear that nanotechnology applications are expected to bring a range of benefits to the food sector aiming at providing better quality and conservation. In the meantime, a growing number of studies indicate that the exposure to certain engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) has a potential to lead to health complications and that there is a need for further investigations in order to unravel the biological outcomes of nanofood consumption. In the current review, we summarize the existing data on the (potential) use of ENMs in the food industry, information on the toxicity profiles of the commonly applied ENMs, such as metal (oxide) nanoparticles (NPs), address the potential food safety implications and health hazards connected with the consumption of nanofood. A number of health complications connected with the human exposure to ENMs are discussed, demonstrating that there is a real basis for the arisen concern not only connected with the gut health, but also with the potency to lead to systemic toxicity. The toxicological nature of hazard, exposure levels and risk to consumers from nanotechnology-derived food are on the earliest stage of investigation and this review also highlights the major gaps that need further research and regulation.
Highlights
Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) designed for use in many commercial materials, devices and structures are already found in various common products—sunscreens, cosmetics, sporting goods, clothing, tires, electronics, etc
Whether it exists as nanostructured food ingredient, nanocarrier or nano-sized particles incorporated in food packaging, human exposure to ENMs present in food or food contact materials occurs through ingestion
As more and more consumer products containing ENMs become available on the market, the exposure of the general population will inevitably increase heightening the concern about the potential human toxicity and environmental impact of these particles
Summary
Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) designed for use in many commercial materials, devices and structures are already found in various common products—sunscreens, cosmetics, sporting goods, clothing, tires, electronics, etc. Human exposure to these man-made NPs is possible directly (via personal healthcare products, cosmetics, food, water, drinking, drugs and drug delivery system) and/or indirectly, e.g., through the release of these compounds into the environment [2,3,4] The latter may potentially result in the contamination of drinking water and uptake into the human food chain [5]. We will provide information on the probable sources of food contamination with ENMs, available toxicity profiles for the ENMs commonly applied in the food industry (metal (oxide) NPs), the existing data on the possible health complications on ingested NPs and the data gaps existing currently in this area
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