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Microplastic contamination in salt-cured fish and commercial sea salts: an emerging food safety threat in relation to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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Researchers analyzed 22 species of salt-cured fish and commercial sea salts from the Indian east coast and found microplastic contamination substantially higher than global averages. Most of the microplastics were tiny fragments and fibers smaller than 250 micrometers, primarily made of PVC and polystyrene. The findings raise concerns about human exposure to microplastics through preserved seafood products and highlight the need for food safety monitoring.
Microplastic (MP) contamination in seafood, particularly processed varieties like dried and salt-cured fish, poses a significant threat to human health. This study investigated MP levels in 22 salt-cured fish species and commercial sea salts along the Indian east coast. Results showed substantially higher MP concentrations compared to global averages, with fragments and fibres (< 250 µm) composing 70% of identified MPs, primarily PVC and PS polymers (> 55%). Station 2 exhibited high pollution levels, with salt-cured fish averaging 54.06 ± 14.48 MP items/g and salt containing 23.53 ± 4.2 MP items/g, indicating a high hazard risk index. A modest correlation was observed between MP abundance, morphotypes, polymer composition in the salt, and their impact on fish products. Given the critical link between food safety, security, and public health, further research is imperative to mitigate MP contamination, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 2, Goal 3, Goal 14, and Goal 15) for enhanced food safety and security.
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This study found that sea salt used to cure dried fish contains an average of about 41 microplastic particles per gram, and that this salt introduces significant microplastic contamination into the cured fish. Using a higher salt-to-fish ratio increased the microplastic load in the final product. The findings are important for food safety because salt-cured fish is a dietary staple in South Asia and other coastal regions, creating a direct pathway for microplastic ingestion.
Microplastic contamination in salted and sun dried fish and implications for food security – A study on the effect of location, style and constituents of dried fish on microplastics load
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Researchers tested 21 species of dried fish from four locations in India and found microplastics in every sample, predominantly small fragments under 100 micrometers. The type and amount of microplastic contamination varied by location, fish species, and whether the fish was whole or eviscerated. The findings raise food safety concerns since dried fish is a dietary staple for many people in coastal regions.
Microplastic contamination in edible sea salt from the largest salt-producing states of India
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Microplastics were found in edible sea salt samples from the major salt-producing states of India, with crystal salt containing lower concentrations than powdered salt, and fibers and fragments as the dominant types, confirming that sea salt is a source of human dietary microplastic exposure in South Asia.
Microplastic contamination and risk assessment in salts from India And Sri Lanka
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Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in commonly available salts from India and Sri Lanka, including sea salt, rock salt, and refined table salt. Microplastics were detected across most salt varieties, indicating that this staple condiment is a dietary route of human microplastic exposure in South Asia.
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