image source: http://www.nanotechmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/20140311PHT38656_original-702x336.jpg
One
of the major reason of limited growth in developing nanofood is due to high
cost involvement. Let us discuss on the
opportunities that entrepreneurs could develop on. As we all know,
nanotechnology in packaging could maintain the freshness of the food for a
longer period. A food researcher of Lathy Groves, Kathy Groves suggested that
nanocoatings could improve the efficiency of energy needed to clean the
food-processing machinery. Less energy needed, less pollution to the
environment. Besides, such coatings allowed the blades to stay sharp for a
longer period. According to Kathy Groves, such technology is not yet to be seen
in the market, it will be a huge step to replace all processing equipment that
we are currently using.
Other
than that, nanofood can reduce the level of obesities or other health benefits.
There are nanoencapsulation of nutrition in food products sold in the internet.
It is said to improve the sweetness of the food, thus reducing calories of food
which at one point we could consume nutrition yet no need to worry about
gaining weight. Up until now, it is not yet launch in physical market,
Professor Morris therefore sees potential in it. However, to what extent we
could believe this technology? Developers have to pass the test of the safety
of nanofood.
Despite
the existence of nanofood in the market. There are still a lot more
improvements to do in this industry. Moore emphasized that companies are
waiting each other to take the first breakthrough. A research analysis showed
that consumers lack of knowledge about nanotechnologies in their food.
Furthermore, they are more price conscious. The application of nanotechnologies
in food will jerk up the price causing the demand to slow down. A researcher
recommended that the food industry have to spread the knowledge of
nanotechnology in food in order to build confidence in the public. All
stakeholders should come up with a long term plan to outreach the public with
activities.
Written By: Team 3 (Wong Houy Shyan)
References:
Berger, M., 2012. What’s Happening
With Nanofoods? [Online] Available at: <http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=24155.php>.
[Accessed 6 June 2015].
Bite, 2010. Nanofoods Unwrapped.
[pdf] <http://www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/multimedia/pdfs/publication/bitesummer10.pdf>
[Accessed 6 June 2015]
Future Nanotechnology, n.d., What
id Nanotechnology Used For? [Online] Available at: <http://www.futurenanotechnology.net/what-is-nanotechnology-used-for.html>
[Accessed 6 June 2015].
Nanotechmag, 2015, USDA Awards $3.8
Million in Grants for Nanotechnology in Food Research. [image online] Available
at: http://www.nanotechmag.com/usda-awards-3-8-million-grants-nanotechnology-food-research/
[Accessed 6 June 2015].
Tran, V. T., Yiannaka, A.,
Giannakas, K., 2014. An Economic Analysis of Nanofood Labelling. [Online]
Available at: <http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/170220/2/Tran_AAEA2014_Paper%205145.pdf>
[Accessed 6 June 2015].
