Across biology and life sciences, the suffix “-omics” refers to the comprehensive characterisation and quantification of entire classes of biological molecules—and the study of how these molecular systems influence the structure, function, and dynamics of an organism.

The Human Genome Project and the Rise of Omics Research

Modern omics science accelerated after the completion of the Human Genome Project (HGP) in 2003. The successful mapping of the human genome established genomics and quickly led to additional disciplines that explore biological complexity in greater detail, including:

• Transcriptomics (RNA and gene activity)

• Proteomics (proteins and protein function)

• Metabolomics (metabolic pathways and small molecules)

• Foodomics (food–biology interactions using multi-omics tools)

Preventive healthcare strategies increasingly depend on identifying links between diet and disease, making nutrition science and molecular biology more interconnected than ever.

Changes in modern food production systems and shifting dietary habits have become major public health considerations. The rise of highly processed and ultra-processed foods, along with new nutritional inputs, can significantly affect long-term wellbeing, metabolic health, and disease risk.

Crucially, changes in the genetic and molecular composition of food may influence how nutrients interact with the human genome. For this reason, understanding the development and application of food technology is widely regarded as a core component of foodomics research—especially when assessing nutrition, safety, and biological impact at scale.

Foodomics gained global attention at the first International Foodomics Conference in Cesena, Italy (2009), where researchers discussed how omics technologies could transform food science, nutrition, and public health.

Foodomics applies a holistic, systems-biology approach to examine the relationship between food composition and biological response. It brings together data from multiple omics layers to understand how dietary exposure affects:

• Gene regulation and expression

• Metabolic pathways

• Protein synthesis and signalling

• Biomarkers linked to health and disease

Omics Fields and Gene Expression

Transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics are highly dynamic and shaped by interactions between the body and external stimuli. This has increased scientific focus on how biotic and abiotic factors influence gene expression, biological pathways, and disease risk.

Among abiotic factors, one of the most important is the impact of food components on gene regulation. Food-derived bioactive compounds can influence disease risk positively or negatively depending on dose, metabolism, genetics, and overall dietary pattern.

Nutrigenomics and Foodomics: Understanding Diet–Gene Interactions

This approach aligns closely with nutrigenomics, which studies how dietary intake affects gene function and metabolism. When nutrition is studied at a molecular level using multi-omics tools, it becomes part of modern “omics” science.

In this context, nutrigenomics and foodomics function as integrated disciplines that explain how nutrients may influence:

• Gene expression and epigenetic regulation

• Metabolic health and inflammation

• Individual responses to diet

• The balance between health and disease

This scientific foundation supports the development of precision nutrition and more personalised dietary strategies.

Over the last century, food consumption patterns have changed dramatically—creating both positive and negative health impacts worldwide. Consumers increasingly demand transparency and defined quality standards, not only for the final product but also for how food is produced, processed, and sourced.

At the same time, advances in molecular biology and foodomics have supported the development of genetic manipulation protocols in plants and animals intended for human consumption. These innovations have created opportunities to increase output, improve quality, and enhance food security—while also raising important questions about long-term safety, regulation, and consumer trust.

Genetically Modified Foods: Regulation, Safety, and Multi-Omics Assessment

Biomolecular modification of consumables remains a major point of debate among scientists, regulators, and the general public. Studying the relationship between food and humans requires a multidisciplinary approach—from genes to metabolites—covering areas such as:

• Nutritional composition and bioactive compounds

• Allergens, toxins, and contaminants

• Pathogenic microorganisms and their metabolites

• Safety and quality assessment across food supply chains

By analysing interactions across these layers, foodomics can support improved regulations and help ensure food safety, quality, and consumer protection.