Sustainable Nanotechnology Approaches for Rapid Food Contaminant Detection and Future Food Safety Systems

Food safety systems are increasingly challenged by globalized supply chains, emerging contaminants, and the need for rapid decision-making before contaminated products reach consumers. Although conventional methods remain essential for confirmatory analysis, their dependence on centralized facilities, specialized personnel, and time-intensive workflows limits their suitability for real-time monitoring. Sustainable nanotechnology offers a promising approach to address these limitations by enabling rapid, sensitive, portable, and resource-efficient contaminant detection. This review critically examines recent advances in nano-enabled platforms for detecting foodborne pathogens, toxins, pesticide residues, heavy metals, allergens, and other food-related contaminants. Emphasis is placed on colorimetric, fluorescent, electrochemical, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, and biosensor-based systems employing sustainable nanomaterials, including biopolymer nanoparticles, carbon-based nanostructures, metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, quantum dots, and hybrid nanocomposites. The roles of green synthesis, low-toxicity materials, reduced solvent use, and safe-by-design strategies are evaluated in relation to environmental sustainability and practical implementation. The integration of nanosensors with smart packaging, portable devices, Internet of Things platforms, artificial intelligence, and data-driven risk assessment is also discussed. Key challenges include matrix interference, reproducibility, sensor stability, scalability, regulatory approval, environmental fate, and consumer acceptance. Continued progress will require validated, scalable, and environmentally responsible technologies capable of reliable operation under real-world food system conditions.