Omar Khalid
It is no secret that plastic is everywhere, with over 16,000 plastic chemicals, 4,200 of which are considered highly hazardous to human health and the environment. It is therefore unsurprising that scientists have found microplastics in some of the most common foods and beverages. From rice to bottled water, apples to salt, microplastics are making their way into our diets, with one study estimating that we consume as much as 5 grams of plastic per week. So, what foods have plastic in them, and what can we do to reduce our intake?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic contamination in food | Widespread |
| Plastic in bottled water | High levels of microplastics found |
| Plastic in rice | 3-4 mg of plastic consumed per 100 g of rice, rising to 13 mg per serving for instant rice |
| Plastic in fruits and vegetables | Apples and carrots are the most contaminated |
| Plastic in salt | 36 out of 39 brands of salt contain microplastics |
| Plastic in wine | Found in wines with plastic stoppers |
| Plastic in seafood | Found in fish, shellfish, and shrimp |
| Plastic in plant-based proteins | Plant-based nuggets contain nearly 100 pieces of microplastics per serving |
| Plastic in fast food | Found in burgers, nuggets, and fries from several fast-food chains |
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What You'll Learn
Bottled water
The presence of microplastics in bottled water is due to the breakdown of plastic over time, forming smaller particles that are 5mm or less in length. These microplastics can then further disintegrate into even smaller pieces called nanoplastics, which are less than 1 μm in size and invisible to the naked eye. The longer water sits in a plastic bottle, especially under certain conditions such as heat and light exposure, the more plastic particles are likely to be present.
The health implications of consuming microplastics and nanoplastics are still being studied, but their small size means they can enter the body's cells and tissues, and have been found in human blood, lungs, gut, feces, and reproductive tissues. While the potential health risks are not yet fully understood, the presence of these plastic particles in bottled water is concerning and highlights the need for further research.
To reduce exposure to plastic particles in drinking water, consumers are advised to switch to single-use aluminum bottles or reusable bottles made of metal or glass. Filtration can also help remove some plastic contaminants, with reverse osmosis filters being the most promising method for removing microplastics, although their components are also made of plastic. Additionally, consumers can take steps to reduce their overall plastic consumption, such as avoiding single-use plastics and choosing reusable alternatives.
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Rice
Rumours of plastic rice have been circulating on social media since around 2010, with reports claiming that rice was being manufactured in China and exported to other countries. These reports alleged that the rice was made from potatoes, sweet potatoes, and plastic, or that ordinary rice was being passed off as premium grains. While there is no evidence that plastic rice has been sold, the rumours were serious enough to prompt investigations by food authorities in Ghana and Nigeria.
In 2021, researchers from the University of Queensland found that rice does contain microplastics. The study found that people consume three to four milligrams of plastic for every 100 grams of rice they eat, with the number jumping to 13 milligrams per serving for instant rice. The researchers also found that washing rice before cooking can reduce plastic contamination by up to 40%.
While the health effects of consuming microplastics are still unknown, experts recommend reducing exposure to plastics and heating food in glass or ceramic containers instead of plastic.
It is important to note that the presence of microplastics in rice is not due to the addition of plastic particles by manufacturers but rather the result of environmental contamination.
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Salt
A 2023 study found that coarse Himalayan pink salt mined from the ground had the most microplastics, followed by black salt and marine salt. Another study found microplastics in 17 brands of salt from eight different countries. The salts were sourced from both the sea and lakes, with sea salt having the highest concentration of microplastics. This is likely due to the direct connection to ocean water, which has been contaminated by plastic pollution.
The health impact of ingesting microplastics is not yet fully understood. However, research has shown that it can be harmful to both human health and the environment. Microplastics can carry harmful chemicals such as pesticides, heavy metals, and flame retardants, which can leach into our bodies when ingested.
The presence of microplastics in salt highlights the ubiquitous nature of plastic pollution and its infiltration into our food systems. While it is challenging to completely avoid consuming microplastics, individuals can take steps to reduce their exposure. One way is to choose land-based salts, such as Himalayan pink salt, which has been found to have lower levels of microplastics compared to sea salt.
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Fruits and vegetables
Plastic is found in almost everything we eat. Fruits and vegetables are not safe from the grip of microplastics. A study found that 90% of animal and vegetable protein samples tested positive for microplastics. These teeny polymer fragments can be smaller than 1 micrometer, known as nanoplastics.
Microplastics enter the food system through water contaminated with microplastics. As these chemicals break down in the environment, they can turn into microplastics and then nanoplastics. They can also enter the food system through plastic packaging, the tubing, conveyor belts, and gloves used during food processing, and contaminated water and soil.
To reduce exposure to microplastics, it is recommended to avoid eating anything that has been stored in a plastic container and to look for food stored in glass, enamel, or foil. It is also advised not to microwave food in plastic but instead to heat it on the stove or in the microwave in glass.
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Seafood
Microplastics enter the ocean through plastic pollution and are then consumed by plankton, which is then eaten by fish and shellfish. This means that the plastic particles accumulate in the flesh of the seafood and are eventually consumed by humans. While the long-term health effects of consuming microplastics are still under investigation, studies have found that ingested microplastics can accumulate in the circulatory system and various organs, including the brain, where they can cause inflammation and tissue damage.
In addition to seafood, microplastics have been found in a variety of other food products, including tea bags, rice, fruits, and vegetables. Tea bags, for example, can release billions of microplastic particles into the water when they come into contact with hot water. A study by the University of Queensland found that for every 100 grams of rice consumed, people also ingest three to four milligrams of plastic.
The presence of microplastics in seafood and other food products highlights the growing concern about plastic pollution and its potential impact on human health. While there is currently no established "safe" level of microplastic intake, experts recommend minimizing exposure as much as possible.
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Frequently asked questions
Many common foods contain microplastics, including fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat, and plant-based alternatives. A 2021 study found that apples and carrots are the most contaminated fruits and vegetables, respectively, with over 100,000 microplastics per gram. Bottled water, beer, and wine have also been found to contain microplastics.
Microplastics are environmental pollutants made up of tiny particles of plastic. They can enter the food chain in various ways, such as through water or soil, and accumulate in animals and plants. For example, plants can absorb microplastics through their roots, transferring them to their fruit, leaves, and stems.
While it is nearly impossible to avoid consuming microplastics entirely, there are some ways to reduce your intake. You can try to eat whole foods, avoid processed foods packaged in plastic, and cook food in glass containers instead of microwaving in plastic. Rinsing rice before cooking can also reduce plastic contamination by up to 40%.
