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Microplastic contamination in ice cream: Occurrence, exposure assessment, and potential health risks
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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.
This cross-sectional study evaluated micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) contamination in 39 ice cream samples from multiple brands and price categories in Türkiye. Samples were purchased in Kastamonu/Merkez during June–August 2024 and analyzed in triplicate (117 filters). Microscopy identified 75 particles in total: filaments 56 %, fragments 29 %, films 15 %. Attenuated Total Reflectance–Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) confirmed synthetic polymers ≥ 20 μm—predominantly polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), and polyvinyl stearate (PVS)—indicating multiple entry points across processing and packaging. Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) ranged 0.34–2.05 particles mL⁻¹ kg-BW⁻¹ day⁻¹ (124.1–748.25 particles mL⁻¹ kg-BW⁻¹ year-¹) and varied by brand/price strata without statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). Although the analytical window excluded particles < 20 μm, findings provide first evidence of MNPs in ice cream in Türkiye. To the best of our knowledge, this study combines a stratified market design (brands × price tiers) with polymer confirmation by ATR-FTIR (≥20 μm) and deterministic, consumption-based exposure estimates. Controls include HACCP monitoring of contact surfaces, routine filtration/piping maintenance, and careful packaging-polymer choice. Broader farm-to-fork surveillance, validated recovery studies, and toxicological testing are needed to refine exposure and risk estimates and guide risk management and policy.
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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.
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Investigation of microplastic contamination in some dairy products
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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.
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Researchers found an average of 183 microplastic particles per liter in beverages and 179 particles per liter in ice packs, mostly polypropylene and PET from packaging. Adults are estimated to consume about 5.5 microplastic particles per kilogram of body weight daily through beverages, making packaged drinks a significant and underappreciated source of human microplastic exposure.
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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.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.