Microplastics and Food Safety

What is it about?

Microplastic (MP) accumulation maintains its importance in terms of environmental and human health. As plastics breakdown into tiny particles (<5 mm diameter), the consequences on human and animal health and ecosystem need to be further studied. In addition to its damage to environment, we do not have much data on how much MPs are present in food stuffs, which is a potential risk for both animal and human health. Microplastics pose a significant health risk due to both the additives used in the production stages and the toxicity of decomposition products. In this article, studies on MPs have been compiled in recent years to determine the amount of microplastics in food stuffs that are closely related to all consumers. In terms of the food ecosystem, MP accumulation has been detected especially in seafood (especially mussels and shrimp) and sea salt. It is a widely reported environmental issue, but its impact on food industry has been somewhat under-reported.

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Why is it important?

Microplastics and Food Safety

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