We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastic Contamination in Industrially Packaged and Locally Produced Ice Creams: Occurrence, Characteristics, Exposure Assessment, and Pollution Risk
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested ice cream sold in Türkiye and found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in every single sample of local, unpackaged ice cream and in about 4 in 10 industrially packaged ice creams. The unpackaged ice cream had higher levels of contamination, suggesting that how ice cream is scooped, stored, and handled at the shop matters as much as its packaging. While it's still unclear exactly how harmful eating microplastics is, this study adds ice cream to the growing list of everyday foods where plastic contamination is worth watching.
Microplastic (MP) contamination in foods has emerged as an increasing food safety concern; however, information regarding ice cream products remains limited. This study comparatively investigated MP contamination in locally produced unpackaged and industrially packaged ice creams marketed in Türkiye. A total of 24 samples (19 industrially packaged and 5 locally produced unpackaged) were analyzed using microscopic examination followed by ATR-FTIR polymer verification. Detected MPs were characterized according to polymer type, morphology, size, and color. MPs were detected in 100% of locally produced unpackaged samples and 42.1% of industrially packaged samples. EVA and ABS-EVA were the predominant polymer types, whereas fibers and black particles were the dominant morphology and color, respectively. A polymer-weighted pollution risk index (pRi) and a deterministic exposure assessment were also applied. Both the mean pRi values and estimated daily intake (EDI) were higher in locally produced unpackaged ice creams than in industrially packaged products. These findings suggest that differences in handling practices, environmental exposure, and food-contact materials may influence MP contamination. Overall, the results indicate that ice cream may represent a potential source of dietary MP exposure and highlight the importance of implementing effective contamination-control measures throughout production, packaging, and retail handling. This study provides valuable comparative baseline data for future food safety and dietary exposure assessments.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic contamination in ice cream: Occurrence, exposure assessment, and potential health risks
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested 39 ice cream samples from various brands and price ranges in Türkiye, finding tiny plastic particles like polypropylene and polyethylene in most samples. The particles came in forms such as fibers, fragments, and films, and estimated daily intake varied by brand but not significantly by price.
Investigation of microplastic contamination in some dairy products
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested milk, mozzarella cheese, yogurt, and cream products (12 packages, 36 samples total) for microplastics using microscopy and spectroscopy. Microplastic particles, mostly fragments, were found in all samples, with locally or regionally produced items showing higher levels than imported ones. Plastic types detected included polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polystyrene, and polycarbonate, suggesting contamination from processing equipment and packaging.
First evidence of microplastic contamination in ready-to-use packaged food ice cubes
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers screened 15 popular commercial brands of packaged food ice cubes in Mexico City and found microplastics in 100% of samples, with concentrations ranging from 19 to 178 particles per liter. The most common plastic types identified were polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyamide, predominantly in fiber form. The findings indicate that packaged ice cubes represent a previously unrecognized route of human dietary exposure to microplastics.
Occurrence, Characteristics, and Exposure Assessment of Microplastics in Commercial Dairy Products
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists found tiny plastic particles (called microplastics) in every single dairy product they tested, likely coming from the packaging the food is stored in. Kids are especially exposed since they eat more relative to their body weight, and while we don't yet know the full health effects of eating these particles, this study is a first step toward understanding how much plastic is ending up in everyday foods like milk and yogurt.
Identification, Quantification, and Characterization of Microplastics in Skincare and Treatment Creams: A Potential Health Concern Related to the Exposure Pathway
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers analyzed 21 skincare and treatment cream products for microplastic contamination and found 109 microplastic particles of various sizes, shapes, and chemical compositions, including polyethylene and polyester. They surveyed over 354 consumers in Romania about cosmetic usage habits to estimate annual exposure levels. The study assessed potential health risks from dermal contact with microplastics in cosmetic products, raising concerns about this often-overlooked exposure pathway.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.