Application of metal oxide/metal nanoparticle-based antimicrobial films in food packaging: Potential use, risk factors, safety assessments and regulatory matters

Packaging is an important feature of our everyday life and it has a vital role to play in food industry. A lot of work is being done for diversifying the role of packaging including use of packaging for increasing the storage time of food items. In this review, we have discussed the role of commonly used metals and metal oxide nanoparticles based antimicrobial agents as a component of packaging material. Though “nano” is a magic word used these days, in this article the potential health hazards on the probable leaching of packaging nanomaterial into food have been discussed. Besides, the safety regulations of various economies have also been covered.