2024-01-12 06:00:41
Plastic particles found in 88% of tested seafood, pork, beef, and meat substitutes
US researchers have made a shocking discovery after finding small plastic particles in 88% of tested samples of seafood, pork and beef, chicken, and meat substitutes.
While it has been known for some time that fish and seafood are often contaminated with microplastics, tiny pieces of plastic, much less research has been done on meat.
Researchers from the University of Toronto examined sixteen types of proteins, including pork and beef, chicken, tofu, and three types of plant-based meat substitutes. They found microplastics in 88% of the samples examined, and the concentrations were comparable to those found in fish.
The research, published in Environmental Pollution, points to food processing as the most likely source of microplastic contamination. Highly processed products such as fish sticks or chicken nuggets contain significantly higher concentrations than minimally processed products such as pollock or raw chicken fillet.
“It is tempting to want to draw conclusions such as ‘eat less of this and more of that’ to avoid microplastics in your diet, but at the moment we still know very little about the amount of microplastics in food,” says Madeleine Milne, biologist at the University of Toronto. “Our study provides new insights, but above all shows the need for more research to better understand the bigger picture: where these microplastics come from and what the potential risks are for public health.”
Based on previous studies, the scientists estimate that an average American adult ingests 11,500 microplastics per year.
“This once again brings us face to face with the facts regarding the scale of plastic pollution,” says Britta Baechler, marine biologist at Ocean Conservancy. “There seems to be no escape, no matter what you eat. Plastic pollution affects us all, and we must take action to tackle its many forms.”
In a related study earlier this week, scientists found that mineral water contains many more plastic particles than previously thought. Up to 240,000 micro- and nanoplastics were found in a single bottle, up to a hundred times more than previously believed.
Nanoplastics, measuring less than 100 nanometers, are barely visible even with the most modern microscopes. They are so small that they can pass directly into the bloodstream via the intestines and lungs, and from there to organs such as the heart and brain.
The findings of these studies paint a concerning picture of the prevalence of plastic pollution in everyday food and beverage items. As the issue of plastic pollution continues to grow, consumers and scientists alike are calling for action to address the widespread contamination of the food and drinks we consume.]
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