Health and Me

Itisha Arya

Do Healthy Foods Contain Microplastics? Ways To Reduce Your Intake

microplastic in healthy food

Many people are now aware that microplastics have entered the food and drink we consume every day. Seafood, in particular, has been widely discussed, as studies have found plastic particles in nearly all samples of fish and shellfish tested.

<h2>How Plastic Pollution Turned Into A Food Problem</h2>

Plastic production has been rising steadily since the 1960s, with around eight million metric tonnes entering the oceans each year. Over time, sunlight and wave action break this waste down into microplastics, tiny fragments measuring less than five millimetres. These particles persist in the environment and gradually move through the food chain.

<h2>It Is Not Just Seafood, Experts Warn</h2>

Writing in The Conversation, environmental expert Catherine Rolph explains that while seafood has received most of the attention, it is far from the only source of exposure. Public awareness is growing, she notes, but microplastics are found in many everyday foods, often in higher amounts than people expect.

Chewing gum is one of the more surprising sources of microplastics. Most gum is made from a synthetic base containing plastics and rubber, along with added sweeteners and flavours. As the gum is chewed, microplastic particles are released. Research suggests that just one gram of gum can release hundreds of these particles.

Even gums labelled as natural appear to release similar amounts, which points to contamination during production or packaging. Studies also show that most microplastics are released within the first few minutes of chewing.

Salt may seem like a basic, natural ingredient, but studies show that microplastics are present in the vast majority of salt products tested worldwide. In fact, contamination has been found to be higher in some land-based salts, such as Himalayan salt, than in sea salt.

Experts believe much of this contamination occurs during processing and packaging. Plastic grinders can also add to the problem by releasing additional particles while grinding.

Microplastics have been detected in a wide range of fruits and vegetables. Very small plastic particles can enter plants through their roots, while larger fragments may settle on their surfaces.

Research has found that apples and carrots tend to contain higher levels compared to other produce, while leafy greens such as lettuce show lower contamination. Despite this, experts stress that the health benefits of fruits and vegetables remain far greater than the potential risks.

Hot drinks are another overlooked source of microplastic exposure. Tea leaves, coffee, milk, and disposable takeaway cups can all contribute to contamination. Heat increases the release of microplastics, which is why hot beverages often contain more particles than cold drinks. Using loose-leaf tea and reusable cups made from glass or metal can help reduce exposure.

While most seafood does contain microplastics, studies suggest the actual levels are often lower than people assume. Filter-feeding shellfish such as mussels have been found to contain relatively small amounts compared to some processed foods and drinks prepared using plastic materials.

<h2>What You Can Do to Cut Your Intake</h2>

Experts say completely avoiding microplastics is unlikely, but small changes can help reduce exposure. Storing food in glass containers, avoiding plastic packaging where possible, and using non-plastic grinders and utensils can make a difference.

Switching from bottled water to tap water may also lower intake, as studies suggest single-use plastic bottles release more microplastics than tap water.

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Many people are now aware that microplastics have entered the food and drink we consume every day. Seafood, in particular, has been widely discussed, as studies have found plastic particles in nearly all samples of fish and shellfish tested.How Plastic Pollution Turned Into A Food ProblemPlastic production has been rising steadily since the 1960s, with around eight million metric tonnes entering the oceans each year. Over time, sunlight and wave action break this waste down into microplastics, tiny fragments measuring less than five millimetres. These particles persist in the environment and gradually move through the food chain.It Is Not Just Seafood, Experts WarnWriting in The Conversation, environmental expert Catherine Rolph explains that while seafood has received most of the attention, it is far from the only source of exposure. Public awareness is growing, she notes, but microplastics are found in many everyday foods, often in higher amounts than people expect.Chewing GumChewing gum is one of the more surprising sources of microplastics. Most gum is made from a synthetic base containing plastics and rubber, along with added sweeteners and flavours. As the gum is chewed, microplastic particles are released. Research suggests that just one gram of gum can release hundreds of these particles.Even gums labelled as natural appear to release similar amounts, which points to contamination during production or packaging. Studies also show that most microplastics are released within the first few minutes of chewing.SaltSalt may seem like a basic, natural ingredient, but studies show that microplastics are present in the vast majority of salt products tested worldwide. In fact, contamination has been found to be higher in some land-based salts, such as Himalayan salt, than in sea salt.Experts believe much of this contamination occurs during processing and packaging. Plastic grinders can also add to the problem by releasing additional particles while grinding.Apples and CarrotsMicroplastics have been detected in a wide range of fruits and vegetables. Very small plastic particles can enter plants through their roots, while larger fragments may settle on their surfaces.Research has found that apples and carrots tend to contain higher levels compared to other produce, while leafy greens such as lettuce show lower contamination. Despite this, experts stress that the health benefits of fruits and vegetables remain far greater than the potential risks.Tea And CoffeeHot drinks are another overlooked source of microplastic exposure. Tea leaves, coffee, milk, and disposable takeaway cups can all contribute to contamination. Heat increases the release of microplastics, which is why hot beverages often contain more particles than cold drinks. Using loose-leaf tea and reusable cups made from glass or metal can help reduce exposure.SeafoodWhile most seafood does contain microplastics, studies suggest the actual levels are often lower than people assume. Filter-feeding shellfish such as mussels have been found to contain relatively small amounts compared to some processed foods and drinks prepared using plastic materials.What You Can Do to Cut Your IntakeExperts say completely avoiding microplastics is unlikely, but small changes can help reduce exposure. Storing food in glass containers, avoiding plastic packaging where possible, and using non-plastic grinders and utensils can make a difference.Switching from bottled water to tap water may also lower intake, as studies suggest single-use plastic bottles release more microplastics than tap water.