Abstract: The addition of nanocomposites to plastic food packaging materials can yield better mechanical properties and gas barrier performance as well as antibacterial effect. They also, however, have the potential to migrate into foods when coming into contact with them, which may pose health risks to consumers and even has a negative effect on the market and consumer confidence. To evaluate the health risks associated with nanocomposites migrating into foods, it is essential to study the migration behavior of nanocomposites from packaging into foods, which has aroused extensive research interest. This paper reviews the types of plastic nanocomposite food packaging materials as well as the nanocomposites commonly used in food packaging and their roles. A detailed overview of recent studies on the migration behavior of nanocomposites from packaging into foods/food simulants is presented. Although it has been found that only a lesser amount of nanocomposites can migrate from packaging into foods/food simulants, previous studies have not reached a consensus on whether nanocomposites can be released in nanosized form. Furthermore, microwave treatment and plastic additives can affect the migration of nanocomposites.

Key words: nanomaterials, plastic, composite packaging, food packaging, migration, risk assessment