Light-sensitive ink warns of food contamination

Filed in archive Environment & Health on November 20, 2006

Researchers at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow have devised an intelligent ink that detects the presence of oxygen in food packages. If the package is broken, whether by tampering or by accident, the ink changes color warning consumers to stay away.

"Our technology has the potential to eliminate food poisoning due to poor packaging or tampering," said Professor Andrew Mills. "The labels will also reassure customers that the food they're feeding their families is as fresh and safe as it left the factory."

"Leaking food packages are not uncommon," he went on to say, "and they're more than just a nuisance. If the seal is broken, it means oxygen is getting in, drastically reducing the freshness of the food so it may no longer be safe to eat."

The researchers used light-sensitive nanoparticles to create the ink they hope will one day make milk, meat, bread, coffee, an other foods safer. (Hat tip to Nanowerk)