Introduction

We often microwave our lunch boxes and boil water in a plastic kettle. These actions can lead to problems that arise from microplastics. Microplastics can negatively impact human health and the environment. The issue of microplastics is particularly concerning as plastic packaging does not biodegrade and inevitably resurfaces years later (Kumar et al., 2021). This article will explore the dangers of microplastics in food, and what you can do to reduce your exposure.

What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles (plastic pieces that are less than 5mm in length) produced as larger plastics break down. They are widely found in nature and pose risks to both humans and wildlife. Studies have detected microplastics in various marine species, drinking water, and common foods such as salt, honey, and seafood (Ziani et al., 2023).

Microplastics come from primary sources (direct release) and secondary sources (breakdown of larger plastics).
Source: Borah et al., 2023

what are the Issues of microplastics?

Microplastics are a persistent and widespread environmental threat, accumulating in ecosystems and proving nearly impossible to remove. Due to their chemical composition, they pose serious risks to wildlife, leading to the blocking of digestion, poisoning, and increased mortality rates. Additionally, they facilitate the transfer of contaminants through the food chain, raising concerns about human health. Scientists warn that microplastics are everywhere, from mountains and oceans to Arctic ice, air, water, and even our bodies (ClientEarth Communications, 2021).

How Do Microplastics Enter the Food Chain?

Microplastics end up in our food through three primary sources:

1. Marine Ecosystem

Plastics eventually wash into the oceans, forming massive accumulations like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (National Geographic, 2025). Exposure to sunlight causes larger plastic waste to break down into microplastics. These smaller particles are then mistaken for food by marine animals. Tiny organisms, such as plankton and small fish, ingest these particles, unknowingly introducing them into the food chain. As larger predators consume these smaller creatures, microplastics accumulate in their bodies, gradually moving up the food chain. This process leads to widespread contamination, affecting not only marine life but also humans who rely on seafood as a food source (Smith et al., 2018).

In addition to plastic waste, other sources contribute to ocean contamination. Microplastic particles shear off car tires while driving. Synthetic microfibres shed from clothes during washing. Many cosmetic and personal care products contain microplastics. These particles wash into drains and eventually reach the sea. There, they infiltrate marine ecosystems and the food chain (Harvey et al., 2021).

Microplastic pollution in aquatic environments and impacts on food chains.
Source: Westphalen & Abdelrasoul, 2018

2. The Processed Food Industry

Plastics enter the food chain in the processed food industry through two main pathways. One is leaching from packaging, such as plastic containers. The other is contamination from processing equipment, like tubing and conveyor belts. A recent study on protein products found that heavily processed foods, like chicken nuggets, contain higher levels of microplastics compared to less processed foods, like chicken breasts. Similarly, tofu, which undergoes multiple processing steps using various pieces of machinery, also showed increased microplastic contamination owing to extensive processing (Milne et al., 2024)

A study by Consumer Reports, an American not-for-profit, found high levels of microplastics in various food products. Some well-known items tested included Yoplait’s Original Low Fat French Vanilla Yogurt, Ben & Jerry’s Vanilla Ice Cream, and Wendy’s Crispy Chicken Nuggets (Lisa Fickenscher, 2024).

3. Contact with Plastic Kitchenware

Heating plastic containers can cause harmful chemicals to leach into food, especially at high temperatures. This is particularly risky for pregnant women, as it can affect a baby’s brain development and increase behavioural issues in children. Studies have shown that microplastics from feeding bottles can contaminate baby formula, potentially harming infant health (Jeon, 2022). Even brewing tea with plastic teabags releases billions of tiny plastic particles, showing how everyday kitchenware can introduce microplastics into our food (Ali et al., 2023).

What are the issues of microplastics in our food?

Microplastics have become an unavoidable part of our food chain. Research by Albert Koelmans and his team estimates that a person ingests about a credit card’s worth of microplastics per year. The main concern is whether our bodies excrete these particles or if they accumulate in organs, potentially leading to long-term health risks (Koelmans et al., 2021). Here are the key issues microplastics pose in our food:

• Widespread Food Contamination: Microplastics are found in drinking water, seafood, processed foods, and even baby formula, raising concerns about food safety (Ziani et al., 2023).
• Toxic Chemical Exposure: These particles can carry harmful substances like phthalates and bisphenol, which may disrupt hormones and affect metabolism (Center for International Environmental Law, 2023).
• Health Risks from Accumulation: The impact of microplastics on the human body is still being studied, but they may enter organs and cause inflammation or other health issues (Center for International Environmental Law, 2023).
• Increased Risk for Infants and Pregnant Women: Microplastics have been found in human placentas, suggesting fetal exposure. Babies also ingest higher amounts due to mouthing behaviours, raising concerns about developmental effects (Zurub et al., 2024).
• Environmental Persistence and Long-Term Impact: Since microplastics do not degrade easily, they continue to break down into smaller particles, contaminating food sources and ecosystems indefinitely (Ziani et al., 2023).

The growing presence of microplastics in our food system poses serious health and environmental risks, requiring urgent research and action.

Why is it essential that we focus on the issue of microplastics in Our food?

As previously mentioned, microplastics carry harmful chemicals and pathogens, increasing the risk of long-term health effects. Addressing this issue is critical to safeguarding food safety and human health. As these tiny particles accumulate in our bodies over time, they may contribute to serious health problems, including hormonal disruptions and organ damage. Reducing microplastic contamination is essential to ensuring a safer food system for future generations (Center for International Environmental Law, 2023).

Moving Forward: Ways to Reduce Microplastics in Your Food

In a world filled with plastic products and oceans brimming with microplastics, it’s inevitable that microplastic contamination will find its way into our food. However, there are steps we can take to minimise the issue of microplastics as much as possible.

• Limit Plastic Use: Store and heat food in non-plastic containers. Avoid plastic kettles, tea bags, cutting boards, and takeaway containers (Fleming, 2023).
• Avoid Heating Plastic: Do not microwave food in plastic containers, use boil-in-the-bag products, or cook with food-grade nylon liners in baking pans and slow cookers (Fleming, 2023).
• Choose Filtered Tap Water: Opt for tap water over bottled water, as bottled water, even in glass can contain thousands of microplastic particles per litre. Use a filter if possible, but be mindful that plastic filters may degrade over time (Fleming, 2023).
• Public Awareness: Educate consumers about plastic pollution to encourage reduced consumption, reusable products, and recycling. Promote sustainable diets by supporting local, organic foods with minimal plastic packaging. Eat less processed food to reduce microplastic exposure and support overall well-being. (Gaikwad, 2024).
• Agriculture and Aquaculture: Transition to biodegradable alternatives for plastic mulch and irrigation. Improve wastewater treatment to filter microplastics and promote sustainable aquaculture to reduce microplastics in seafood (Gaikwad, 2024).
• Regulatory Policies and Regulations: Support policies that reduce plastic pollution, such as the UN Global Plastics Treaty, similar to the Paris Accord (Bonneau, 2024).

In conclusion, staying healthy is more important than ever in today’s world, as we face yet another rising pollutant, microplastics. While the issue of microplastics in food may seem overwhelming, small changes in our daily habits can help minimise exposure. Reducing plastic use and making informed food choices can protect both our health and the environment.

achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how they link to The Issue Of Microplastics

The SDGs provide a comprehensive framework for addressing global challenges, including the environmental and health issues posed by microplastic pollution. The SDGs that directly relate to this issue are:

• SDG3: Good Health and Well-Being: The health hazards of microplastics are clear and affect both health and well-being. The effects are severe for the future generations.
• SDG6: Clean Water and Sanitation: Microplastics found in freshwater sources and bottled water raise concerns about the safety of drinking water.
• SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production: Microplastic pollution thrives because of human greed and convenience. Banning single-use plastics and recycling other forms of plastic can reverse the damage. 
• SDG14: Life Below Water: Efforts to reduce microplastic pollution will help organisms and life below water. Understanding its impact is key. Governments, consumers, and corporations should take action to prevent microplastic pollution.

A Thrivable Framework

The issue of microplastics in food exemplify complex wicked problems, as they stem from systemic issues such as plastic overproduction, poor waste management, and environmental contamination. These persistent pollutants threaten both human health and ecological balance, infiltrating food chains and accumulating in water, soil, and marine life. Addressing this crisis requires a holistic approach that acknowledges the interconnection between human activity and environmental impact.

The THRIVE Framework emphasises the importance of managing finite resources by reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-based plastics and fostering sustainable material alternatives. Furthermore, shifting towards a regenerative economy ensures that solutions not only mitigate harm but actively restore ecosystems through responsible production practices. By integrating these principles, THRIVE fosters sustainable strategies that ensure a balanced future for people and the planet.

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