What You Should Know
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, about the size of a grain of rice or smaller. They are formed by the break up of larger plastics, including food plastic packaging and fibers shed from synthetic clothing. Eating and drinking are now recognized as a major source of microplastic exposure in people.
This makes it important to understand which foods contain them.
How does our food get contaminated?
Food and beverages can be contaminated by plastic during processing. This can happen through:
- Wear and tear of processing equipment:
- Agriculture mulching films
- Tubing & belts
- Ultrafiltration membranes
- Plastic food packaging
- Microfibers released into the air from:
- Uniforms
- PPE (blue fibers are a common food contaminant)
- Additives containing microplastics:
- Processed oils
- Processed sugars
- Sea salts & herbs
- Contaminated water
Common Plastics in Food and their Sources
- Polyethylene (PE) Bags
- produce bags, instant foods, & dry goods. Films: such as those lining cartons & fast-food wrappers.
- Polypropylene (PP) Containers
- such as yogurt & margarine tubs. Bottles & caps: such as syrup bottles and other squeeze bottles.
- Polystyrene (PS) Disposables
- plates, utensils, cups for hot & cold beverages (styrofoam) Foams: instant noodle containers & egg cartons
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
- Cling wrap & shrink wrap. Clamshells & meat trays.
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
- Beverage bottles: Water & soda. Jars: Sauces & nut butters.
- Nylon/Polyamide (PA)
- Tea bags, seafood (likely from fishing gear), flexible films (cheese), frozen food packaging, & boil in bags.
Making Smarter Choices
Shopping Guides
Here are some practical tips to help reduce dietary microplastics. Choose fresh, locally-sourced and package-free foods when possible. Single-use cups for hot drinks, and the use of plastic tea bags have been shown to contribute the most plastic to beverages.
When possible:
- Choose loose leaf tea
- Bring a reusable container for take-out drinks
- Brew at home
Simple kitchen habits at home can help lower plastics in foods. These include:
- Avoid heating or freezing in plastic.
- Store food in glass or metal.
- Use fewer plastic cutting boards.
We need system-level changes so that everyone can afford and access fresh, package-free foods.
Communities deserve real options beyond heavily packaged, ultra-processed products that harm health and add plastic to our food systems.