Boosting food safety in Ghana: Exploring the future of nanotechnology

• Published in: Nano select Vol. 5; no. 2
• Main Authors: Lawal, Mohammed, Payne, Joseph, Onyeaka, Helen, Alao, AbdulKabir Mahmud, Okoampah, Emmanuel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01-02-2024; Wiley-VCH
• Subjects: Antimicrobial agents; Bacteria; Bans; Chemical contaminants; Consumers; Contaminants; Descriptive labeling; Developing countries; Drug resistance; E coli; Effectiveness; Food contamination & poisoning; food fraud; Food safety; Fraud; Fruits; Ghana; Illnesses; LDCs; Nanotechnology; Pesticides; Safety management; Sanitation; Vegetable oils; Ghana; Sudan
• ISSN: 2688-4011; 2688-4011
• DOI: 10.1002/nano.202300078

The issue of food fraud, safety and contaminants remains a topic of public concern, as it has been aligned to potential food scarcity. However, nanotechnology presents a promising opportunity for improving various industries, including food, agriculture, and health. This article aims to examine the potential of nanotechnology in enhancing food safety in Ghana, and its efficacy in addressing prevalent food safety challenges. Nano‐based approaches, such as nano‐packaging, nano‐sensing, nano‐additives, and other nano‐techniques, are discussed as effective methods for addressing major and emerging food safety issues in Ghana, such as food contaminants, antimicrobial resistance, food fraud and adulteration, and poor sanitary conditions. Additionally, the ethical and safety implications of these nano‐based approaches and particles are also deliberated.
This is a review paper which sort to highlight on the potential of nanotechnology to curb the growing menace of food safety issues. Key among the findings from this study is the antimicrobial, shelf life, food packing and sensing potential of various nanoparticles (NPs) which validates the possible future of exploring nanotechnology in food safety in a developing country like Ghana.