Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Food

With the continuous increase in the use of plastic-based products, there is an increasing global issue of plastic waste generation. Improper plastic waste management causes these plastic products to remain in the environment, and over time, undergo various types of degradation processes, which convert them into small particles. Further degradation eventually leads to the formation of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) that are dispersed in the environment. There are multiple routes through which these MPs and NPs can reach food products, such as through plastic food containers used for packaging or by being ingested into animals and absorbed into plants. When ingested by humans, MPs and NPs can cause several health issues, as discovered by researchers through in vivo studies. These micro-/nanoparticles can also affect livestock by causing many types of diseases in their bodies and can affect their growth.