Shrinkwrapped: How Plastic Pollution Impacts the Brain-Resource Sheet

Resource Sheet - Microplastics in Food

Pdf Summary

Food and beverages can become contaminated with plastic during processing, packaging, and handling. The main sources include wear and tear from equipment such as tubing, belts, membranes, and plastic packaging; microfibers released into the air from uniforms and PPE; and additives or ingredients that may contain microplastics, such as processed oils, sugars, sea salts, herbs, and contaminated water.<br /><br />The document explains that microplastics are tiny particles, often smaller than a grain of rice, formed when larger plastics break down or shed fibers. Eating and drinking are now recognized as major exposure routes for humans.<br /><br />It lists common plastics found in food-related products and where they appear: PET in bottles and jars; PP in yogurt tubs, bottle caps, and food packaging films; PVC in cling wrap and meat trays; PS in disposable cups, plates, and foam containers; PA in tea bags, seafood, and flexible films; and PE in many packaging items.<br /><br />The guide also ranks foods and beverages by likely plastic contamination. Lower-risk choices generally include rock salt over sea salt, filtered tap water over bottled water, bulk dry goods over boxed or bagged items, fresh unpackaged produce over canned or frozen, extra virgin olive oil over other oils, dry uncooked rice over instant cooked rice, and whole-fat milk over more processed milk products. It notes that levels can vary by region, brand, and handling.<br /><br />To reduce exposure, the document recommends simple home and shopping habits: avoid heating or freezing food in plastic, store food in glass or metal, use fewer plastic cutting boards, and choose fresh, local, package-free foods when possible. For beverages, it warns that single-use cups and plastic tea bags can contribute especially high plastic levels, so loose-leaf tea, reusable containers, and brewing at home are better options.

Keywords

microplastics

food contamination

plastic packaging

food processing

PET

PVC

plastic exposure

single-use plastics