Microplastics Found in Nearly 90% of Meat, Even Plant-Based Ones: Study Reveals Widespread Human Exposure

A study reveals that most meat and even vegan alternatives contain cancer-linked microplastics, coinciding with toxins found in bottled water. Testing 16 protein sources, including chicken, beef steak, seafood, pork, tofu, and three-plant-based meat, scientists found 90% contained nanoplastics, posing potential health risks.

The research, titled "Exposure of U.S. adults to microplastics from commonly-consumed proteins" published in the journal Environmental Pollution, highlights pervasive microplastic contamination in various protein sources, emphasizing its widespread nature.

Microplastics Found in Nearly 90% of Meat, Even Plant-Based Ones: Study Reveals Widespread Human Exposure Pixabay/gate74

Microplastics are Now in Other Protein Sources Too

Microplastics are linked to cancer, heart disease, dementia, and fertility issues. The study by Ocean Conservancy and the University of Toronto showed that microplastics are now also found in various protein sources, prompting concerns about contamination during production, packaging, and through airborne sources.

Dr. Britta Baechler, a study co-author and marine biologist, emphasized the ubiquity of plastic pollution, noting that both seafood and terrestrial proteins are equally prone to plastic contamination, highlighting the imperative for collective action to address the multifaceted plastic pollution crisis.

Researchers investigated 16 types of protein and plant-based samples from two Portland, Oregon supermarkets. This approach was adopted to reflect the prevalence of store-bought, processed, and packaged foods in the American diet.

The samples, including shrimp, fish sticks, chicken nuggets, steaks, and tofu, were subjected to a solution, broken down over 24 hours, and soaked in detergent to remove residual fatty material. Subsequently, 124 randomly selected samples underwent analysis to determine the quantity and types of microplastics present.

They found microplastics in all 16 protein products, constituting 88% of the total samples, encompassing both plant-based proteins and seafood. Fibers were detected in nearly half of the food sources, while plastic fragments comprised about one-third of the identified microplastics.

Microplastics' Pervasive Threat to Food Safety and Environmental Health

Microplastics, created from potentially harmful chemicals, can leach toxins into the soil before being washed away, posing risks to the environment and agriculture. Sewage waste destined for English farmland is contaminated with pollutants, including dioxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, raising concerns about human health.

Plastic particles can serve as a vector for the plant uptake of toxic chemicals, with a 2020 study revealing microplastics and nanoplastics in fruits and vegetables sold in Italy. While the uptake of plastic particles did not seem to stunt crop growth, the long-term impact on human health remains unclear.

In the recent study, the team suggests potential releases during processing and packaging in factories, although the precise entry point of microplastics into the food chain remains unclear. Additional research is deemed necessary to comprehensively understand the extent of the problem, identify microplastic sources, and assess their impact on human health.

Dr. George Leonard, Chief Scientist at Ocean Conservancy and study co-author, expressed deep concern about the escalating global plastics crisis, emphasizing that the study illustrates the pervasive nature of plastics in food, extending beyond fish and shellfish to various protein sources.

The findings underscore the urgent need to curb plastic pollution in all its forms, ensuring a safe and healthy food supply for consumers. The study's revelations align with a recent study on water bottles, emphasizing the widespread presence of microplastics and the urgency of addressing plastic pollution across diverse contexts.