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Microplastics in Table Salt and Sugar: Potential Sources and Human Health Impacts
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This chapter reviews past studies on microplastics found in table salt and sugar, including nearly 200 salt samples from several countries, which showed varying contamination levels depending on how the salt was produced and its environmental exposure. It also discusses how microplastics can carry harmful substances like heavy metals, and calls for more monitoring of these food products.
Microplastic contamination in widely consumed food products such as salt and sugar has raised increasing concern due to their potential health risks. This chapter reviews the presence, sources, and contamination levels of microplastics in salt and sugar based on existing literature. Nearly 200 salt samples from Türkiye, Sri Lanka, Lebanon, various European countries, and China have been analyzed in prior studies, demonstrating significant regional variations influenced by production methods and environmental exposure. Additionally, the chapter discusses the toxicological implications of microplastics, which act as carriers of hazardous substances such as heavy metals and plastic additives. The findings highlight the potential health risks associated with chronic dietary exposure to microplastics and emphasize the need for stricter monitoring and regulation.
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Microplastics in Table Salts: Sources, Abundance, Types, and Consumption– A Review
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This global review synthesizes research on microplastic contamination in table salts, examining sources, abundance, particle types, and estimated human consumption, finding that sea salts tend to have higher microplastic loads than rock or lake salts.
Microplastic contamination of salt intended for human consumption: a systematic review and meta-analysis
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This systematic review and meta-analysis examined microplastic contamination in table salt from around the world. It found that microplastics are present in most salt products intended for human consumption, with sea salt generally containing more particles than rock or lake salt, representing a consistent source of dietary microplastic exposure.
Microplastic pollution in commercial salt for human consumption: A review
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This review examines microplastic contamination in commercial table salt from 128 brands across 38 countries on five continents. Researchers found that while microplastic concentrations in salt are lower than in some other food products like mussels, salt represents a significant long-term daily exposure route for the general population. The study highlights that commercial salt contaminated with microplastics may contribute to cumulative human exposure alongside other dietary and environmental sources.
Contamination of table salts from Turkey with microplastics Part A Chemistry, analysis, control, exposure & risk assessment
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This study analyzed 16 brands of table salt from Turkish markets and found microplastics in most samples, with concentration varying by salt type and source. The findings add to growing global evidence that microplastics have entered the human food chain through commercial sea and lake salt.
Suspected Microplastics in Commercial Salts and Sugars Sold in Greece: Evidence for Processing-Related Contamination
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Researchers tested 19 commercial salt products and two sugar products sold in Greece for suspected microplastics. All samples contained these particles, with salts averaging 118 per kilogram and sugars averaging 74 per kilogram. The specific sources, including possible contamination from processing or packaging, were not determined and need further study.
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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.