Ethan Clarke
Microplastics are small particles of plastic that have contaminated our oceans and, subsequently, our food supply. These particles are known to enter the human food chain through seafood and other foods. Studies have found that microplastics are present in approximately 90% of salt brands worldwide, raising concerns about the potential health risks associated with their consumption. This begs the question: does Morton Salt, a popular salt brand, contain plastic? In response to customer inquiries, Morton Salt has stated that their food salts meet all US FDA food-grade standards, and their salt is purified using a vacuum evaporation process, making it highly unlikely to contain plastics. However, they also acknowledge the absence of FDA-approved testing methods for identifying microplastics in food.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Microplastics in Morton salt | Morton Salt claims that their food salts meet all U.S. FDA food-grade standards and that there is no FDA-approved testing standard for identifying microplastics in food, so they do not conduct any such testing. They also claim that their kosher salt is mined from underground salt deposits and further purified using a vacuum evaporation process, so it is highly unlikely to contain any plastics. Their sea salt, however, may contain whatever is naturally found in the seawater used to produce it. |
| Microplastics in commercial salt | Studies have found that approximately 90% of all table salt contains microplastics. Salt mined from underground does not contain microplastics, but commercially harvested sea salt has higher concentrations of microplastics. |
| Health concerns | Microplastics contain chemicals that can be harmful to human health. While the body can flush out some of these chemicals, it is beneficial to reduce the intake of unnecessary chemicals. |
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What You'll Learn
Morton Salt's response to microplastics
Morton Salt has responded to consumer concerns about microplastics in their products. In a statement, the company acknowledged the absence of an FDA-approved testing standard or method for identifying microplastics in food, which makes it challenging to conduct specific tests for these particles.
Morton Salt highlighted that their food-grade salts, including Kosher and Sea Salt (plain or iodized), meet all US FDA food-grade standards. They emphasized that their Kosher salt is sourced from underground salt deposits and further purified using a vacuum evaporation process, making it highly unlikely to contain any plastics. In contrast, their Sea Salt is produced by evaporating water from the sea, which means it may contain naturally occurring substances, including microplastics.
The company assured consumers that their Sea Salt undergoes a washing process to meet food-grade standards. This washing procedure effectively removes any visible plastic pieces that may be present in the salt. Morton Salt provided contact information for consumers with additional questions or concerns, encouraging them to call their toll-free number or visit their website.
While Morton Salt's response acknowledges the issue of microplastics in salt, it primarily focuses on their commitment to meeting food-grade standards and their belief that the likelihood of plastics in their products is low. The company does not explicitly deny the presence of microplastics, which have been found in various environmental samples, including salt, seafood, and other food products.
To address consumer concerns comprehensively, Morton Salt could consider investing in independent testing methods for microplastics, even in the absence of FDA-approved standards. This proactive approach would provide more definitive answers about the presence or absence of microplastics in their products and demonstrate a commitment to transparency and consumer safety.
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The presence of microplastics in salt
Several studies have confirmed the presence of microplastics in commercial salt from different countries. One study analysed 17 salt brands from eight countries and found that while one brand had no microplastics, the others contained between 1 to 10 microplastics/kg of salt. The most common plastic polymers identified were polypropylene (40%) and polyethylene (33.3%), which are widely distributed in marine environments. Another study of 13 European sea salts found a median microplastics concentration of 466 ± 152/kg, with particle sizes ranging from 74 to 1155 items/kg.
The process of producing sea salt and lake salt contributes to the presence of microplastics in these products. These salts are typically made by evaporating seawater or brine, which concentrates pollutants like microplastics along with the salt. This is in contrast to rock salts, which are mined underground and are less likely to contain plastics.
The health risks associated with ingesting microplastics are still relatively unknown. However, microplastics have been shown to carry hazardous chemicals and microorganisms, and their small size allows them to accumulate in the human body. The long-term consumption of products containing microplastics may become a significant concern, especially considering their presence in various other foods beyond just salt.
While specific brands like Morton Salt claim that their products meet all U.S. FDA food-grade standards and are unlikely to contain plastics, the widespread occurrence of microplastics in salt highlights the need for further research and the development of standardised testing methods to ensure consumer safety.
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Morton Salt's purification process
Morton Salt is an American food company that produces salt for food, water conditioning, industrial, agricultural, and road/highway use. The company was established in Chicago in 1848 and is currently headquartered in the River Point building in the city.
Morton Salt uses two primary methods for salt production: the vacuum pan process and underground mining. The former involves the evaporation of salt brine by steam heat in large commercial evaporators, while the latter involves mining rock salt from underground salt deposits.
The vacuum pan process, also known as solution mining, is a highly efficient method that yields a very high purity salt with a fine texture. Wells are drilled into the salt deposit, and steam is fed to the first pan, causing the brine to boil. The steam from the first pan is then used to heat the brine in the subsequent pans, with the pressure reduced in each pan. This process allows for greater energy efficiency compared to using a single pan.
The underground mining process involves miners descending into salt mines through shafts. Morton Salt's mines have two shafts, one for personnel and one for transporting materials and equipment. Large machines are used to cut into the solid salt walls, and the salt is removed in a checkerboard pattern, leaving solid salt pillars for roof support. Only 45 to 65 percent of the salt is typically extracted to maintain the structural integrity of the mine.
Morton Salt also operates solar evaporation plants, where salt is produced through the evaporation of brine in crystallizing ponds. During the salt-making season, brine continuously flows through these ponds, and pure salt crystallizes out as the water evaporates.
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The health implications of microplastics
Microplastics are a typical emerging pollutant, and their potential health hazards are a growing concern. Microplastics are frequently detected in environmental and human samples, and humans are exposed to them through oral intake, inhalation, and skin contact. The health implications of microplastics include oxidative stress, DNA damage, organ dysfunction, metabolic disorder, immune response, neurotoxicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicity. Epidemiological evidence also suggests a link between microplastic exposure and various chronic diseases.
The presence of microplastics in commercial salts has been documented in various studies, with polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) being the most abundant plastic polymers found in salt samples. These polymers are consistently found in the marine environment, indicating that products originating from contaminated water bodies are likely to be loaded with microplastics. The consumption of seafood products, such as clams, mussels, and fish, is another significant route of potential microplastic exposure for humans.
While Morton Salt claims that their food-grade salts meet all US FDA standards and are unlikely to contain plastics, the absence of FDA-approved testing methods for identifying microplastics in food makes it challenging to confirm their presence or absence. However, given the widespread distribution of microplastics in the environment and their detection in various food sources, the potential health implications of microplastic exposure through salt consumption cannot be overlooked.
Further research and advanced isolation techniques are needed to fully understand the health impacts of microplastics in salt and other edible items. The varying shapes, sizes, and types of microplastics, including secondary microplastics, add to the complexity of assessing their actual health risks. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction of plastics with human cells is crucial for extrapolating the potential dangers to human health.
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The environmental impact of microplastics
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, less than five millimetres in size, that have degraded from larger plastic objects. They are found everywhere on Earth, from the Arctic to the Antarctic, and in all environmental compartments: air, water, and soil. The environmental impact of microplastics is significant and far-reaching.
One of the primary ways microplastics enter the environment is through water. They can be directly introduced to aquatic environments through primary sources such as synthetic sandblasting media, cosmetic formulations, and textiles. Once in the water, they can travel through waterways and end up in ecosystems that support a range of marine life, including algae, zooplankton, fish, crabs, sea turtles, and birds. Marine life can become entangled in larger pieces of plastic and strangled, or they may ingest microplastics, which can disrupt reproductive systems, stunt growth, diminish appetite, and cause tissue inflammation and liver damage. Laboratory studies have found that microplastics accumulate in the gills and guts of zebrafish, as well as in their livers. Microplastics have also been detected in clams, mussels, fish, honey, beer, and even in commercial salts from different countries. This means that the consumption of seafood products could be a significant route of human exposure to microplastics.
Microplastics can also enter the environment through secondary sources. These are large plastic materials that are ground down over time by abrasion, wind, or sun rays, eventually becoming microplastics. Landfills, residential households, construction projects, factories, and agriculture are some of the sources of these secondary microplastics. The widespread use of plastic in food packaging, particularly for dairy products, meat, fish, and drinks, also contributes significantly to plastic pollution.
The release of plastic materials into the environment is recognised as an important pollution problem. Plastic cleanup efforts have been launched by nations, NGOs, and individuals, but these projects have faced challenges due to carbon emissions and the inadvertent harm caused to marine organisms. Additionally, the sheer magnitude of the cleanup required is formidable, and the longer we wait, the more plastic will fragment into smaller pieces, making the problem increasingly difficult to address.
The full extent of the environmental impact of microplastics is not yet fully understood, and there is a lack of data on the effects of microplastics in natural settings. However, it is clear that microplastics pose a significant threat to the environment and the safety of the planet.
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Frequently asked questions
Morton Salt has responded to a customer inquiry stating that their food salts meet all U.S. FDA food-grade standards. They also mentioned that there is no FDA-approved testing standard or method for identifying microplastics in food, so they do not conduct any such testing. Their kosher salt is mined from underground salt deposits and purified using a vacuum evaporation process, so it is highly unlikely to contain plastics. Their sea salt, on the other hand, is made by evaporating water from the sea and may contain whatever is naturally found in it.
Microplastics are small particles of plastic that pollute our oceans and, over time, degrade into smaller pieces that enter our food supply through salt, seafood, and other foods. Studies have found that approximately 90% of all table salt contains microplastics. Salt mined from underground does not typically contain microplastics, while commercially harvested sea salt has higher concentrations.
Microplastics contain chemicals that can be harmful to human health. While our bodies can eliminate some of these chemicals through waste and sweat, it is beneficial to reduce our exposure to them. Microplastics have been linked to potential long-term health effects, but further research is needed to fully understand their impact on human health.
To reduce your exposure to microplastics in salt, you can choose salt varieties that have been scientifically tested and found to contain lower levels of microplastics. Pure salts that do not contain anti-caking agents or other added chemicals are recommended. Additionally, salt mined from underground or ancient seabeds is less likely to contain microplastics.
Yes, microplastics have been detected in various foods, including seafood, milk, beer, and many processed and packaged foods. They can enter these foods through the packaging process or directly from contaminated water sources. It is important to be aware of the potential presence of microplastics in our food supply and take appropriate measures to minimize our exposure.
