This article reviews the role of nanomaterials in designing and manufacturing anti-fouling and antimicrobial coatings for food packaging, highlighting their regulatory and sustainability implications. Nanotechnology has revolutionized food packaging by enhancing the appearance, taste, texture, and shelf life of food products. The review discusses the use of nanocoatings as protective films and sensors to indicate food quality levels, emphasizing their potential to ensure high-quality nutrition throughout the food chain, including humanitarian efforts. The article also explores the challenges and advancements in nanomaterials for food packaging, including their impact on food safety, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. Key topics covered include the development and design of nanocoatings, the application of nanomaterials in active and smart packaging, and the environmental and safety considerations of nanotechnology in food packaging. The review concludes with a discussion on the future prospects and recommendations for the use of nanomaterials in food packaging.This article reviews the role of nanomaterials in designing and manufacturing anti-fouling and antimicrobial coatings for food packaging, highlighting their regulatory and sustainability implications. Nanotechnology has revolutionized food packaging by enhancing the appearance, taste, texture, and shelf life of food products. The review discusses the use of nanocoatings as protective films and sensors to indicate food quality levels, emphasizing their potential to ensure high-quality nutrition throughout the food chain, including humanitarian efforts. The article also explores the challenges and advancements in nanomaterials for food packaging, including their impact on food safety, sustainability, and regulatory compliance. Key topics covered include the development and design of nanocoatings, the application of nanomaterials in active and smart packaging, and the environmental and safety considerations of nanotechnology in food packaging. The review concludes with a discussion on the future prospects and recommendations for the use of nanomaterials in food packaging.