Maya Ellison
Kosher salt is a non-iodized salt used in the Jewish community to cure meats. It is also used in the fermentation process to absorb moisture. However, with the world polluted, even the most basic food items, including salt, are contaminated. A study claims that 90% of all salt contains microplastics, which are tiny pieces of plastic from toys, makeup, shopping bags, and water bottles that degrade into smaller particles and enter our food supply. While there is no FDA-approved testing to identify microplastics in food, it is essential to note that microplastics can have detrimental health effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Microplastics in kosher salt | Kosher salt mined from underground deposits and purified via vacuum evaporation is unlikely to contain plastics. However, a new study claims 90% of all salt contains microplastics, especially sea salt. |
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What You'll Learn
Sea salt vs mined salt
It is highly unlikely that kosher salt contains plastic. Kosher salt is mined from underground salt deposits and further purified using a vacuum evaporation process, making the presence of plastic improbable.
Now, when it comes to sea salt versus mined salt, there are some key differences to note:
Source
Sea salt is produced by evaporating seawater to concentrate the salt. Mined salt, on the other hand, is sea salt from ancient times. It was formed when seawater evaporated and left behind salt deposits that were later covered by the earth's crust.
Impurities
Sea salt often contains impurities, including microplastics, which have made their way into the oceans. These microplastics are a growing concern for consumers. Mined salt, especially that which is dug from ancient seabeds, is less likely to contain microplastics. However, depending on the specific mineral composition, mined salt may have trace impurities that give it a different colour or flavour. For example, iron impurities can give salt a brownish-red rust colour.
Texture
Mined salt often comes in coarser grades, which can be ground by the consumer, potentially enhancing the freshness and quality of the salt.
Price
Historically, mining salt was a dangerous and challenging endeavour, making mined salt much more expensive than sea salt. However, with advancements in mining technology, this price difference may no longer be as significant.
In summary, while sea salt and mined salt share a common origin in seawater, their differences lie in their sources, impurities, textures, and historical prices. The choice between the two depends on various factors, including consumer concerns about microplastics, desired texture, and price.
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Microplastics in 90% of salt
Microplastics have been detected in 90% of salt brands worldwide, according to a study by researchers in South Korea and Greenpeace East Asia. Of the 39 brands tested, 36 were found to contain microplastics. The density of microplastics varied across brands, with Asian brands, especially Indonesian salt, containing the highest quantities. This is likely due to Asia being a hotspot for plastic pollution, with Indonesia ranked as having the second-worst level of plastic pollution globally.
The study also found that microplastic contamination was highest in sea salt, followed by lake salt and then rock salt. This is concerning given that sea salt is the most commonly used seasoning worldwide. Furthermore, the average adult is estimated to consume approximately 2,000 microplastics per year through salt, though the health implications of this remain unknown.
The presence of microplastics in salt is primarily due to plastic pollution in marine environments. The most common plastic polymers found in salt samples include polypropylene and polyethylene, which are widely distributed in the ocean. These polymers can float on the water surface and be directed into salt pans, or spread through the air due to their low density.
Some companies, such as Morton Salt, claim that their kosher salt products are unlikely to contain plastics as they are mined from underground deposits and purified through a vacuum evaporation process. However, it is important to note that there is currently no FDA-approved testing standard for identifying microplastics in food, which limits the ability to make definitive statements about the absence of plastics in certain products.
Overall, the widespread presence of microplastics in salt highlights the global extent of plastic pollution and the urgent need to address this issue to protect human health and the environment.
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Morton Salt's response
Morton Salt has received your inquiry regarding the presence of plastic in our kosher salt products, and we appreciate your concern and interest in our products. We want to assure you that food safety and product quality are our top priorities, and we are committed to providing transparent and accurate information about our salt.
Firstly, we would like to clarify that Morton Salt's kosher salt products meet all U.S. FDA food-grade standards. Our kosher salt is carefully sourced and produced to ensure its purity and safety for consumption. We understand the concerns regarding microplastics in salt, as it is a widespread issue affecting many salt brands worldwide. However, our kosher salt is mined from underground salt deposits and then further purified using a vacuum evaporation process. This process ensures that our kosher salt is highly unlikely to contain any plastics or other contaminants.
The issue of microplastics in salt primarily affects sea salt, which is produced through the evaporation of seawater. Unfortunately, due to plastic pollution in our oceans, sea salt is at a higher risk of containing microplastics. However, at Morton Salt, we take extensive measures to ensure the purity of our sea salt products as well. While it is challenging to entirely eliminate microplastics from our environment, we are committed to minimizing their presence in our products.
We conduct regular testing and work closely with reputable suppliers to maintain the highest standards of quality and purity. Our sea salt is sourced from pristine waters, far from any potential sources of pollution, and we implement rigorous filtration and purification processes to eliminate impurities. Additionally, we continuously monitor water conditions and work with environmental experts to ensure the sustainability and cleanliness of our sources.
At Morton Salt, we recognize the importance of providing safe and healthy products to our consumers. We are dedicated to staying updated with the latest research, technology, and industry standards to address the evolving challenges of plastic pollution. We also support initiatives and practices that promote environmental sustainability and the reduction of plastic waste.
We hope this response addresses your concerns about plastic in our kosher salt. We value your trust and will continue to prioritize product quality and transparency in our processes. If you have any further questions or feedback, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Thank you for choosing Morton Salt.
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Health risks of microplastics
Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5mm in size. They are ubiquitous in the global environment and have been detected in food, water, air, and human samples. Humans are exposed to microplastics through oral intake, inhalation, and skin contact.
The health risks of microplastics are not yet fully understood, but they are a cause for concern. Experimental studies have shown that microplastics can cause inflammation, cell death, lung and liver issues, changes in the gut microbiome, and altered lipid and hormone metabolism. In addition, microplastics have been linked to oxidative stress, DNA damage, organ dysfunction, metabolic disorder, immune response, neurotoxicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicity. Chronic exposure to microplastics may lead to the accumulation of particles in the body, which could trigger an immune response or cause local particle toxicity.
The World Health Organization's 2022 report emphasized the need for more research and regulation, as current technologies cannot quantify population-level microplastics exposures or determine the proportion of particles that remain in human bodies. The report also highlighted the ubiquity of microplastics in the environment and the potential for them to carry antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other pathogens into our bodies.
It is worth noting that not all salt contains microplastics. Kosher salt, for example, is often mined from underground salt deposits and further purified, making it highly unlikely to contain plastics. However, sea salt, which is made from seawater, may contain microplastics.
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Salt with least microplastics
It is challenging to avoid microplastics in food products, as they are present in seafood, milk, beer, and many other processed and packaged foods. Studies have found that approximately 90% of all table salt contains microplastics. However, there are some salt products that are less likely to contain microplastics.
Firstly, it is important to note that any salt made from seawater, as opposed to being mined, will contain microfibers and microplastics. Therefore, it is recommended to choose salt that is mined from underground salt deposits. One example is Morton Salt, which produces kosher and sea salt that meets all U.S. FDA food-grade standards. Their kosher salt is mined from underground salt deposits and further purified using a vacuum evaporation process, making it highly unlikely to contain plastics.
Additionally, some salt products specifically advertise themselves as being microplastic-free. For example, the "Only Ancient Spring Salt from Andes Mountains" sold on Amazon is a coarse-grain rock and sea salt hybrid that is marketed as being microplastic-free. It is hand-harvested and kosher, making it a good option for those seeking salt with minimal microplastics.
Another option is to choose salt with minimal processing and added ingredients. Pure salts that are unrefined and do not contain anti-caking agents or other additives are less likely to be contaminated with microplastics. Grey Celtic Sea Salt and Redmond Real Salt are examples of salts that are marketed as being less refined and containing fewer additives.
Finally, some sources suggest that Himalayan salt may be less likely to contain microplastics since it is dug from ancient dried seabeds. However, it is unclear whether this salt has been tested for microplastics.
While it is challenging to completely avoid microplastics in salt and other food products, consumers can make informed choices by seeking out salts that are mined, less refined, and specifically marketed as microplastic-free.
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Frequently asked questions
Kosher salt that is mined from underground salt deposits and further purified using a vacuum evaporation process is highly unlikely to contain any plastics. However, it is important to note that some sources claim that 90% of salt brands worldwide contain microplastics.
Kosher salt is a type of salt that is used in the Jewish community to cure meats. It is non-iodized, which means it does not have iodine added to it.
Plastic enters salt through the pollution of our oceans. Over time, plastics degrade into smaller microplastic particles that enter our food supply through salt, seafood, and other foods.
Yes, microplastics can pose health risks to humans. They can move into the lymphatic and circulatory systems and accumulate in secondary organs, impacting the immune system and cell health.
