Table of Contents
Ready to reduce your exposure to plastics in your food ?
Let’s take a look at the most common exposures and make some changes.
The Health Effects of micropla and Nano Plastics:
The health effects of micro and nano plastics in our food are still being researched, but studies strongly suggest that they have multiple impacts on human health. Microplastics have been shown to cause physical harm to cells and tissues, and can also leach chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors. Additionally, microplastics can serve as vectors for the transmission of pathogens and other pollutants. The ingestion of microplastics has been linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, and changes in gene expression. While the full extent of the health effects of micro and nano plastics is still unknown, reducing exposure through informed food choices and sustainable practices can help minimize potential risks.
Efforts to reduce microplastics:
To combat the issue of microplastics, governments, organizations, and individuals are working together to implement solutions. For example, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has launched initiatives to reduce plastic pollution, including the Clean Seas campaign. The Ocean Conservancy and The Plastic Pollution Coalition are also working to address the issue through advocacy, research, and community engagement. Governments are implementing policies to reduce plastic use, such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Single-Use Plastic bans. Additionally, companies are developing biodegradable and compostable materials, and circular economy business models to minimize waste. As individuals, we can make a difference by making informed choices, reducing plastic use, and supporting sustainable practices.
Nine Common Foods and Beverages to Consider
Microplastics have become a growing concern in our daily food and drink. Here are 9 common items that may contain microplastics, along with their plastic loads and some helpful alternatives:
Sea Salt: Microplastics have been found in sea salt due to ocean contamination, with a plastic load of ~0.4–5.8 particles per teaspoon (5g). A 2023 study analyzing 13 European brands found levels ranging from 74 to 1,155 particles per kilogram. To minimize exposure, consider using mined rock salt or Himalayan pink salt, which are less likely to be contaminated. If you prefer sea salt, choose brands with traditional harvesting methods or third-party purity testing for added transparency.
Beer: Microplastics may be present in beer due to contaminated water sources or brewing processes, with a plastic load of ~2–79 particles per liter. Support local breweries that prioritize sustainable practices and use filtered water. Moderating beer consumption and staying hydrated with filtered water can also help reduce overall microplastic intake.
Bottled Water: Bottled water can contain significant microplastic particles, with a plastic load of ~325–10,000 particles per liter. Opt for filtered tap water stored in stainless steel or glass containers to minimize microplastic exposure and reduce environmental impact. Never drink water from a plastic water bottle that has been in the sun.
Shellfish: Shellfish can accumulate microplastics from their environment, with a plastic load of ~7.6–10.7 particles per gram (shrimp) and ~1.4/g (oysters). Diversify your protein sources by incorporating plant-based proteins, poultry, or sustainably sourced fish known for lower microplastic contamination. One study found that fish from Australia have lower microplastic loads.
Rice: Rice can contain microplastics, especially instant rice, with a plastic load of ~13 mg plastic per 100g of instant rice and ~3–4 mg plastic per 100g washed rice. Choose bulk or minimally processed rice and rinse thoroughly before cooking. Skipping instant varieties and choosing organic or low-intervention rice can further reduce exposure and support better metabolic health.
Apples and Carrots: Microplastics can be absorbed into plant tissues, with a plastic load of ~44.6 million particles per apple and ~14.7 million particles per carrot (150g). Choose unpackaged produce when possible, and shop from local sources with transparent farming practices. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and consider peeling when appropriate. A rotation of organic and seasonal produce can also help reduce long-term exposure.
Tea: Certain plastic tea bags can release billions of microplastic particles, with ~11.6 billion microplastics released from a single plastic tea bag. Use loose-leaf tea with a stainless steel or glass infuser, or select brands that offer biodegradable, plastic-free tea bags like Republic of Tea, Yogi Tea, or Harney & Sons.
- Coffee Pods: A Study published in the Environmental Science & Technology journal found that Keurig coffee makers can release microplastics into the coffee. The study found that the machines can release up to 100,000 microplastic particles per cup of coffee. As another alternative, if you’re still wanting the convenience of a pod approach, consider the Nespresso product with its recyclable aluminum pod. Reusable coffee pods or stainless steel, or glass coffee makers are alternatives to reduce microplastic exposure.
- Coffee Cups: The single-use paper cup we all see and get at the local coffee shop is another source of microparticles. When your hot coffee is exposed to the lining, it releases trillions (and not a misspelling) of plastic micro particles. In this study, published in Environmental Science & Technology they looked at multiple sources of cups. The paper cup is coated with additive-free low-density polyethylene (LDPE) to prevent diffusion and leakage of its liquid contents.
References:
- A study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials found polyethylene, polypropylene, and PET in 95% of store-bought rice samples (2021).
- Research indicates that bottled water samples contained an average of 325 microplastic particles per liter, with some samples containing up to 10,000 particles per liter. Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- A 2020 study published in Environmental Research found that apples and carrots had the highest concentrations of microplastics, with median levels reaching 223,000 particles per gram in fruits and 97,800 per gram in vegetables (Oliveri Conti et al.,2020).
- A study analyzing 24 German beer brands found microplastic fibers, fragments, and granular material in all samples, with counts ranging from 2 to 79 fibers per liter. Source: PLOS ONE
- A study in PLOS ONE found microplastic particles in all 12 beer brands tested across the U.S. and Canada.
Additional Resources:
- For more information on microplastics in food and drink, visit:
- To learn more about sustainable practices and reducing plastic use, explore:
Making informed choices can reduce your microplastic intake and contribute to a more sustainable future and better health.
Take Aways:
- Exposures will always be present, however, we can reduce our intake dramatically
- Clean your rice, not only helping to reduce plastics but also reducing its natural arsenic content
- Buy your tea in bulk or in non-plastic tea bags
- Stop using prepackaged plastic in your coffee maker, get reusable coffee pods or switch to another method
- Getting coffee, bring your container, preferably one made of stainless steel or glass.
