One innovative deployment of nanotechnologies in packaging solutions is the reduction of
spoilage through deployment of sensors built into food packages (Busch 2008). Nanosensors
have been developed which can be applied as labels or coatings to add an intelligent function to
food packaging in terms of ensuring the integrity of the package through detection of leaks (for
foodstuffs packed under vacuum or inert atmosphere), indications of time–temperature variations
(e.g., freeze–thaw–refreezing), and microbial safety (deterioration of foodstuffs)(FAO/WHO
2010; Mahalik and Nambiar 2010; Watson, Gergely, and Janus 2011). Intelligent food packaging
can sense when contents are spoiling, and alert the retailer and consumer. Furthermore production, processing, and shipment of food products could be made more secure through the
use of nanosensors for pathogen and contaminant detection (Dingman 2008).