Nanotechnology is one of the most promising scientific fields of research in decades; it has the potential to revolutionize the global food system. The demand for safe food products represents a crucial challenge for the food-packaging industry, with the idea of designing and producing novel packaging solutions able to maintain the safety and quality of products. In this chapter, some of the most relevant applications and challenges of nanotechnology in the field of food packaging are discussed, including: nanocomposites that enhance the barrier properties of the packaging film, nanoparticles as potent antimicrobial agents, nanosystems for controlled delivery, and nanosensors and nanomaterial-based assays for the detection of food-relevant analytes (gases, small organic molecules and foodborne pathogens). Risk assessment and safety concerns with respect to food research have also been highlighted. As nanotechnology is still a relatively new technology, there are safety concerns that are drawing attention to international regulations to make the acceptance of this tool by the industry and consumers safer.