What’s in Your Food Packaging? Nuclear Science is Working to Keep it Safe

Techniques like neutron activation analysis, X ray fluorescence and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry allow scientists to spot heavy metals and toxic elements at ultra-trace level. Others, like isotope dilution chromatography-mass spectrometry, help identify migrating organic chemicals. Microplastics can be detected through infrared microscopy, and isotope analysis can even verify claims about bio-based plastics. These tools are fast, precise and often non-destructive.

Nuclear techniques also support food safety in other ways — for instance, by using irradiation to protect food from pests and extend shelf life without compromising safety.

The IAEA, through the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture and the Atoms4Food initiative, is actively supporting countries in strengthening their ability to assess and monitor food packaging materials for compliance with safety standards requirements. By transferring know-how and providing technical support on the use of nuclear, isotopic and complementary analytical techniques, the IAEA is helping countries ensure their food packaging systems are compliant with international regulations and protect public health.

“This is a growing priority in many regions,” said Rola Bou Khozam, Head of the IAEA’s Food Safety and Control Section. “Through the Atoms4Food?initiative, we are advancing research and developing innovative protocols to detect potential contaminants migrating from packaging materials into food, using nuclear and related techniques. Strengthening scientific capabilities in this area is essential for ensuring food safety, supporting regulatory compliance and fostering sustainable innovation in food systems.”

The move toward sustainable packaging is gaining ground. Companies like Nestlé and IBM are even using AI to develop eco-friendly, high-performance food packaging.

Nuclear techniques have been part of this journey for decades. Radiation processing enhances polymer performance, improves printability and boosts antimicrobial properties — all without harmful additives. It also strengthens biodegradable packaging made from natural materials like starch or agricultural waste.

“Nuclear technology allows us to improve material performance in a clean, efficient way — without adding harmful substances,” said Celina Horak, Head of the IAEA’s Radiochemistry and Radiation Technology Section.

The IAEA also joins industry and UN partners to promote safer, sustainable packaging. At the first Vienna Sustainable Food Packaging ConFex in 2024, the IAEA, UNIDO and industry partners tackled safety, sustainability and recyclability in packaging. The IAEA's Food Safety and Control Laboratory helped shape discussions on regulations, analytical techniques and safety standards.

With consumers demanding healthier, greener choices, the push for safer, sustainable packaging is only growing. Nuclear science is helping the food industry meet this challenge — making sure that what protects your food also protects you.