Smart Sensors in Food Packaging: Sensor Technology for Real-Time Food Safety and Quality Monitoring

Abstract

The global food industry faces constant pressure to meet increasingly stringent food quality and safety standards driven by health-conscious consumers and regulatory demands. Intelligent food packaging systems equipped with advanced sensors have emerged as a key innovation that can monitor food conditions in real time to prevent spoilage and ensure safety. These systems integrate sensors into the packaging to detect changes in pH, freshness, pathogens, and environmental factors, providing timely information for intervention. Examples of sensor applications in intelligent packaging include gas sensors to detect spoilage gases, pH sensors to monitor acidity changes, and biosensors to identify pathogens and toxins. Despite their promising benefits, challenges such as high costs and the need for extensive research and development limit widespread adoption. This review explores the different types of sensors used in intelligent food packaging, their specific applications, and their potential to transform the food industry by enhancing food safety, reducing waste, and improving consumer satisfaction.