Plastic is everywhere—even in our bodies. Dietary plastic is a developing issue that could pose health concerns. Though enough data do not currently exist to understand the impact of microplastic consumption, it’s fair to say that we’d be better off avoiding it.
By understanding how plastic ends up in food products, you can make an effort to consume less of it.
1. The Role of the Packaging Industry
One of the primary sources of plastic contamination in food is the packaging industry. Though one of the myths about foodservice packaging is that it leaches chemicals, microplastics are bit of a different story. Many food items are wrapped in plastic materials, including cling film, plastic containers, and bottles. Over time, these materials can degrade, especially when exposed to heat or light, leading to microplastics in the food.
2. How Food Processing Contributes to the Issue
During food processing, machinery and equipment made from plastic can contribute to contamination. Shredders, mixers, and conveyors can wear down, releasing tiny plastic particles into the food products they handle.
Moreover, inadequate maintenance or faulty machinery can lead to larger plastic pieces inadvertently entering the food supply. The risk is particularly pronounced in processes involving bulk materials, where direct contact with plastic machinery is more likely.
3. Environmental Plastic Pollution and Its Impact
Environmental contamination also plays a significant role in the presence of plastic in food. Water sources, soils, and even the air can be polluted with microplastics from various sources, including discarded plastic waste, industrial spills, and atmospheric deposition. It’s just one symptom of a large-scale environmental crisis, and it affects your diet.
When these microplastics enter the agricultural food supply chain, they can be absorbed by crops or contaminate livestock through feed. This means that even organically grown produce may be subject to plastic contamination, depending on the surrounding environment.
4. The Problem With Seafood
Seafood is particularly vulnerable to environmental plastic contamination. The ocean is a hotbed for plastic pollution, as much of the plastic we toss on land ends up in the sea. Over time, the ocean’s rough conditions break these plastics apart but don’t degrade them, leading to trillions of microplastics in the water.
Marine organisms then ingest these microplastics as they breathe and feed. As plastics move up the food chain, larger fish can accumulate significant amounts in their flesh via biomagnification, potentially leading to consumption by humans. That makes even the healthiest pescatarian dishes potentially concerning.
5. What You Can Do as a Mindful Consumer
As a mindful consumer, you can reduce plastic exposure by choosing fresh, unpackaged foods whenever possible, opting for glass or metal containers instead of plastic, and supporting brands that prioritize sustainable packaging. Additionally, don’t forget about water—it’s a liquid but one of the most important parts of your diet. Instead of buying bottled water, reduce microplastic consumption by investing in a home water filtration system.
Also, be informed! Look up where your food is coming from and be smart about potential contamination. Though you probably can’t avoid microplastic consumption entirely, you can make a sizeable difference.
Today’s world lets plastic end up in food products in a variety of ways, and this can be a potential concern for our health. Now that you’re more informed about the issue, you can take steps to reduce your microplastic consumption.
