Ethan Clarke
Plastic is everywhere, and it's no surprise that it's found its way into our food. Microplastics, tiny plastic pieces less than 5mm long, have infiltrated our oceans, soils, and even the food we eat. Research has found microplastics in fruits and vegetables, and bottled water, with potential health risks associated with the chemicals they contain, like BPA, phthalates, and PFAS. These chemicals can act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with hormone production and regulation. While plasticizers like phthalates are added to make plastic more flexible, they can leach into our food through packaging, processing equipment, and even contaminated water and soil. With growing evidence of potential health threats, it's essential to understand how to reduce our exposure to these chemicals and limit their presence in our food.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic chemicals in food | Bisphenols (BPA), phthalates, PFAS |
| Plastic sources | Food packaging, tubing, conveyor belts, gloves used in food processing, water, soil, air |
| Health concerns | Endocrine disruptors, interfere with hormone production, long-term health issues |
| Reducing exposure | Avoid ultra-processed foods, use glass/steel water bottles, avoid plastic cutting boards, limit vinyl use |
| Microplastics | Fragments of plastic <5mm long, found in plants, animals, soil, water, air |
| Health risks of microplastics | Unknown, potentially harmful over time, may accumulate in the body |
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What You'll Learn
Plasticizers in food
Plasticizers are chemicals used to make plastic more flexible and durable. Phthalates, the most common type of plasticizer, have been found in a wide range of foods, including supermarket foods and fast food. A Consumer Report found phthalates in Annie's Organic Cheesy Ravioli, Del Monte sliced peaches, Chicken of the Sea pink salmon, McDonald's Quarter Pounder With Cheese, Little Caesars Classic Cheese Pizza, and Wendy's Crispy Chicken Nuggets.
Phthalates can enter food in several ways during the production process. They can leach into food from the plastic in tubing, conveyor belts, and gloves used during food processing. Phthalates can also enter meat and produce through contaminated water and soil. In addition, food packaged in plastic may be exposed to plasticizers from the packaging itself, especially when heated.
The presence of plasticizers in food is a concern because of their potential health risks. Growing research suggests that they are endocrine disruptors, interfering with the production and regulation of hormones like estrogen. The effects of these chemicals may be cumulative, meaning that even small amounts over time could increase health risks. However, it is challenging to determine safe levels of phthalates in food due to their widespread presence and constant exposure.
While there are few regulations restricting the use of plasticizers in food production, some changes have been made. For example, the FDA banned BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups, but activists continue to push for further restrictions on the use of plasticizers in food packaging and processing.
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Phthalates in food
Phthalates are a class of toxic chemicals commonly used in plastic products to make them more flexible and durable. They are also known as “plasticizers” and are found in almost all plastic items. While phthalates are not authorized to be directly added to food, they can leach into food from plastic packaging and processing equipment. This includes tubing, conveyor belts, and gloves used during food processing, as well as contaminated water and soil.
The presence of phthalates in food is a growing concern due to their potential health risks. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, which means they can interfere with hormone production and regulation, leading to a range of health issues such as reproductive problems, birth defects, and increased risk of heart disease. Despite these concerns, phthalates are widely present in our food supply. A Consumer Reports study from January 2024 tested 85 brand-name food products and detected phthalates in almost every sample. The levels of phthalates varied widely, even among similar types of food or brands.
The FDA currently allows nine phthalates to be used in food contact applications, such as food packaging and processing materials. However, there is growing pressure on the FDA to ban the use of phthalates in food contact applications due to safety concerns. In 2022, the FDA denied a petition to remove 28 phthalates from the approved list, stating that the petition did not demonstrate that the proposed class of phthalates was unsafe for approved food additive uses. Despite this, the FDA has granted an industry petition to revoke approval for multiple phthalates added to food packaging and processing equipment, acknowledging that these uses have been abandoned.
It is important to note that avoiding phthalates completely is challenging due to their widespread presence in our environment. However, individuals can take steps to reduce their exposure by avoiding heating food in plastic containers, choosing "microwave-safe" and phthalate-free containers, and being mindful of their diet. Fast food, in particular, has been associated with higher levels of phthalate exposure.
While the human body can eliminate phthalates, constant exposure to them may lead to a steady build-up in our systems. More research is needed to fully understand the health implications of phthalates and to develop effective regulations to protect consumers.
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Bisphenols in food
Bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, is a synthetic chemical used to manufacture different polymers, including epoxy resins, polycarbonates, and other polymer materials. It is a well-known chemical that has been linked to a long list of health concerns, even at very low levels. BPA is abundant in the environment, including in food containers, water bottles, thermal papers, toys, medical devices, and is incorporated into soil and water through leaching. It can be part of our food and environment directly or indirectly, affecting living organisms.
BPA is a plasticizer, a chemical used to make plastic more flexible and durable. It has been found to leach into infant formula from plastic baby bottles, and has been detected in almost all tested foods. The FDA has banned BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups, but it is still found in food cans and infant formula containers. Growing research shows that BPA is an endocrine disruptor, which means that it can interfere with the production and regulation of estrogen and other hormones, causing hormonal disruption, immunosuppression, and infertility. It has also been linked to mutagenesis and carcinogenesis.
The human body is capable of eliminating bisphenols from its systems, but due to the constant exposure to BPA in our environment, these chemicals enter our blood and tissue almost as quickly as they are eliminated. The harmful effects of BPA exposure may be cumulative, and steady exposure to even small amounts over time could increase health risks. While there are ways to reduce exposure, such as using glass or silicone bottles, it is challenging to completely avoid BPA due to its ubiquitous presence in food and other areas.
In addition to BPA, there are other bisphenols and related chemicals that may be present in food packaging and containers. These chemicals can leach out of plastic and other materials, potentially contaminating our food. While some regulations exist, such as premarket approval by the FDA for substances that migrate from packaging into food, there are still limited restrictions on the use of these chemicals in food production. More research and regulations are needed to understand the full impact of bisphenols in our food and to ensure the safety of consumers.
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Microplastics in food
Microplastics are small plastic particles that are less than five millimetres long. They can come from the breakdown of larger plastics or can be manufactured to be very small. They have been found in the environment worldwide, including in the air, soil, and water. Due to their presence in the environment, microplastics can contaminate food, especially seafood and produce.
A 2020 study found microplastics and nanoplastics in fruit and vegetables sold in supermarkets and by local sellers in Sicily, Italy. Apples were the most contaminated fruit, while carrots had the highest levels of microplastics among the sampled vegetables. Another study by Peijnenburg and colleagues found that the concentration of microplastics in lettuce and wheat was ten times lower than in the surrounding soil, suggesting that only the smallest particles are taken up by plants.
Microplastics have also been detected in highly processed protein products, such as fish sticks, chicken nuggets, tofu, and plant-based burgers. A study by Ocean Conservancy and the University of Toronto found microplastic particles in 88% of protein food samples, including seafood, pork, beef, chicken, tofu, and plant-based meat alternatives. These findings indicate that microplastics are prevalent in our food supply, with an estimated American adult consuming an average of 11,500 microplastics per year.
While the health effects of microplastics in food are not yet fully understood, there are concerns about their potential impact. Research has shown that microplastics can accumulate in the human body and interfere with important biological processes, including the endocrine and immune systems. Additionally, the constant exposure to microplastics and the chemicals they contain, such as BPA and phthalates, may pose health risks over time, even at very low levels.
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Minimising plastic exposure
While it is impossible to completely avoid plastic exposure, there are ways to minimise it.
Firstly, avoid buying food in plastic packaging. This includes fruit and vegetables wrapped in plastic, or food stored in disposable plastic containers. Opt for fresh, unpackaged fruits and vegetables instead.
Secondly, avoid using plastic containers to store food, especially when heating or storing hot food. Plastic containers can release chemicals into food, especially when heated. Instead, use glass, ceramic, or steel containers.
Thirdly, avoid single-use plastic water bottles, as these have been found to contain high levels of microplastics. Use a glass or steel bottle instead, and avoid plastic straws by carrying your own stainless-steel straw.
Additionally, limit your consumption of fast food, as it often comes into contact with plastic during preparation and may contain higher levels of plasticizers. Also, avoid using plastic utensils, such as cutlery and cutting boards, as they can shed microplastics into your food.
Finally, be mindful of products containing fragrances, such as soap, cosmetics, and cleaners, as they often contain phthalates. Opt for fragrance-free alternatives.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, plastic can rub off on food. Plastic containers break down over time, especially when heated or washed repeatedly, and release microplastics and chemicals into food. Plasticizers, such as phthalates, are of particular concern as they are linked to various health issues and can enter the food chain through packaging, food processing equipment, and contaminated water and soil.
Plastic can get into our food in several ways, including:
- Food packaging: Plastic is commonly used for food packaging, and during its use, it can break down into microplastics and release chemicals.
- Food processing: Plastic is used in tubing, conveyor belts, and gloves during food processing, which can contaminate food with chemicals like phthalates.
- Contaminated water and soil: Microplastics and chemicals from plastic pollution can contaminate water and soil, which are then absorbed by plants and animals, entering the food chain.
While it is challenging to completely avoid plastic contamination, you can take several steps to minimize your exposure:
- Reduce consumption of highly processed foods, as they tend to have higher levels of plasticizers and microplastics.
- Choose eco-friendly food packaging and avoid single-use plastics.
- Replace plastic water bottles with glass or stainless steel alternatives.
- Avoid heating food in plastic containers, even if they are marked as "microwave-safe."
- Opt for whole foods and minimally processed foods, as they have lower levels of endocrine-disrupting microplastics.
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