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Microplastics in Commercial Milk for Human Consumption: Evidence From a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
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This meta-analysis, the first of its kind, pooled data from multiple studies and found that commercial milk commonly contains microplastic particles, with an overall average of about 6.5 particles per liter. Since milk is consumed throughout life from infancy onward, this contamination represents a significant and ongoing source of microplastic exposure for most people.
The global increase in plastics production and consumption has heightened human exposure to microplastics (MPs), raising widespread concern. Food represents a major route of human exposure. Since milk is a vital component of the human diet throughout life, its contamination warrants close attention. The current study is the first meta-analysis focusing on MP contamination in commercial milk. Three databases (PubMed, Embase, Scholar, and Web of Science) were searched up to June 2023, following the PRISMA guideline. Four relevant studies were included based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (NTP/OHAT) tool. Four low-RoB studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results indicated that MP concentrations in the analyzed studies ranged from 16 to 10040 particles per sample. Given that milk contamination can occur at all stages (from farm to consumer), future studies should investigate how processing and packaging contribute to the presence and diversity of MPs in milk and their potential health effects. Additionally, standardized sampling and detection protocols should be developed to accurately detect and minimize MP contamination in milk. Preventive strategies are needed to limit the release of MPs into the environment and, consequently, the human body.
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Abundance and characterization of microplastics in milk and dairy milk products with a special emphasis on possible health risk assessment: A global systematic review.
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This review combined global studies on tiny plastic particles found in milk and dairy products, finding levels ranging widely depending on testing methods used. Infant formula and breast milk showed the highest contamination, suggesting children may face greater exposure through these products than adults through other dairy items.
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This study investigated the presence of microplastics in milk products consumed by infants and young children during early childhood. Microplastic particles were detected across multiple milk sources, raising concerns about early-life dietary exposure to plastic contaminants. The findings highlight the need for stricter monitoring of microplastic contamination in infant food products.
Microplastics in Dairy Products: Occurrence, Characterization, Contamination Sources, Detection Methods, and Future Challenges
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Researchers reviewed 17 studies on microplastic contamination in milk and dairy products and found concentrations ranging from undetectable to over 10,000 particles per kilogram, with baby milk powder showing the highest levels. The most common plastics found were polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, and polyester, including some types considered harmful to human health. The study highlights that dairy products are particularly susceptible to microplastic contamination from packaging, processing equipment, and the environment.
Occurrence, Characteristics, and Exposure Assessment of Microplastics in Commercial Dairy Products
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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.
Human Milk, Microplastics and Children's Health: An Equation to Be Solved
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This review examined microplastic contamination in human breast milk, summarizing evidence of widespread MP detection and discussing the potential health consequences for infants whose primary food source in the first two years of life may contain plastic particles.
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