Discovered in 2004, carbon dots have garnered a major attention due to their unique optical properties, nanoscale size, and cost-effectiveness. Their potential uses are applicable for bioimaging, electronics, and the food industry. Carbon dots are promising tools for detecting contaminants, identifying harmful bacteria, and monitoring essential nutrients. Here, we review the safety risks associated with applying carbon dots in the food industry, focusing on their integration into global food safety frameworks. We highlight recent advancements in the detection capabilities of carbon dots, showcasing their sensitivity and specificity in identifying foodborne pathogens and contaminants. We discuss strategies to mitigate potential health risks, such as optimizing carbon dot synthesis to minimize their toxicity and ensuring thorough regulatory assessments. Current research shows that carbon dots improve food safety, but research is needed to address safety concerns and ensure consumer confidence.

碳点于 2004 年被发现，因其独特的光学特性、纳米级尺寸和成本效益而受到广泛关注。它们的潜在用途适用于生物成像、电子和食品工业。碳点是检测污染物、识别有害细菌和监测必需营养素的有前景的工具。在这里，我们回顾了在食品行业应用碳点的相关安全风险，重点关注其融入全球食品安全框架的情况。我们重点介绍碳点检测能力的最新进展，展示其在识别食源性病原体和污染物方面的敏感性和特异性。我们讨论减轻潜在健康风险的策略，例如优化碳点合成以尽量减少其毒性并确保彻底的监管评估。目前的研究表明，碳点可以改善食品安全，但还需要进行研究来解决安全问题并确保消费者的信心。