Global regulatory frameworks for nanomaterials in food packaging

Food packaging is an indispensable operation in the food supply chain, and packaged food products are witnessing a positive demand across the globe. It ensures the consumer's confidence and gains their acceptance of food quality by providing a longer shelf life, protection from adulteration, and convenience in handling and cooking. Food packaging has evolved over the years with new materials, combinations, and technologies to meet the requirements of the food industry and consumer expectations. However, recent advancements in the domain of nanoscience and technology have opened up new avenues concerning flexible, semi-rigid, and rigid packaging, such as active packaging, intelligent packaging, antimicrobial packaging, and smart packaging. It solves some of the challenges associated with packaging. On the other hand, this novel nanomaterial containing packaging material requires an extensive regulatory framework encompassing specific handling and disposal instructions, elaborate testing for their integrity, impact on the environment, toxicological studies, and migration into the food matrix. In recent years, countries have come up with regulations to address the concerns related to nanomaterials in food packaging and ensure food safety. In this book chapter, the role of nanomaterials in food packaging is discussed briefly, followed by recent regulations implemented in different countries.