Plastic commonly contaminates food – Nowy Dziennik

Microplastic particles can get into food at any stage of its production. It is not known what the health effects are, researchers from Australia note.

Specialists from the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) analyzed the scientific literature to see at what stages of food production potentially harmful microplastics can get into it. The conclusions are not optimistic.

First, microplastics and their additives can be found in fish, meat, rice, water, packaged meals and drinks, and even in fresh vegetables and fruits. According to scientists, plastic particles get into food in various ways – they are eaten by animals, and they are also released from various materials used in production or packaging.

“For example, fresh food may be plastic-free when it is picked or caught, but contains plastic when it is processed, packaged and delivered to consumers,” warns Dr Jordi Nelis, author of the paper, which appeared in the journal Trends in Analytical Chemistry” (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165993623000808?via%3Dihub).

Another important source of these particles is solid waste processed into fertilizer from wastewater treatment. It can contain plastic particles from various sources, such as those released during the washing of plastic clothes.

“These types of particles can accumulate in the soil and change its structure, which can affect crop production, food security and ecosystem resilience. For example, plastics can trick the good bacteria in the soil into mistaking them for plant roots. This, in turn, results in less access of plants to the necessary nutrients” – notes the expert.

Scientists emphasize that a variety of chemical compounds are added to plastics to obtain the appropriate properties of the final products. Such substances, for example, make plastics resistant to UV rays, harden them, or make it difficult to burn. Among them, however, you can find toxic components, including heavy metals.

At the same time, researchers report that there is not enough research on the impact of microplastics on human health. In their opinion, it is also necessary to develop appropriate methods to check the presence of this contaminant in food.

“Key missing information relates to safe levels of microplastics. Currently, we do not know exactly what its flow through the food production system is, nor what concentrations can be considered acceptable,” emphasizes Dr. Nelis.

It reminds, however, that there are ways that everyone can use to reduce the risk to the environment and people.

“Australians throw away an average of 100 kg of plastic waste per year. So it’s worth using less plastic products, especially in the kitchen, and washing clothes a little less often and in shorter cycles, “says Dr. Nelis. (PAP)

Marek Matacz

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