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Exposure of U.S. adults to microplastics from commonly-consumed proteins
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Researchers tested 16 common protein foods sold in the U.S. for microplastic contamination, finding an average of 74 particles per serving, with highly processed products containing significantly more than minimally processed ones. Breaded shrimp had the most contamination (370 particles per serving) while chicken breast had the least. Based on typical American diets, the estimated annual exposure from these protein sources alone is about 11,000 microplastic particles per person.
We investigated microplastic (MP) contamination in 16 commonly-consumed protein products (seafoods, terrestrial meats, and plant-based proteins) purchased in the United States (U.S.) with different levels of processing (unprocessed, minimally-processed, and highly-processed), brands (1 - 4 per product type, depending on availability) and store types (conventional supermarket and grocer featuring mostly natural/organic products). Mean (±stdev) MP contamination per serving among the products was 74 ± 220 particles (ranging from 2 ± 2 particles in chicken breast to 370 ± 580 in breaded shrimp). Concentrations (MPs/g tissue) differed between processing levels, with highly-processed products containing significantly more MPs than minimally-processed products (p = 0.0049). There were no significant differences among the same product from different brands or store types. Integrating these results with protein consumption data from the American public, we estimate that the mean annual exposure of adults to MPs in these proteins is 11,000 ± 29,000 particles, with a maximum estimated exposure of 3.8 million MPs/year. These findings further inform estimations of human exposure to MPs, particularly from proteins which are important dietary staples in the U.S. Subsequent research should investigate additional drivers of MPs in the human diet, including other understudied food groups sourced from both within and outside the U.S.
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Exposure of U.S. adults to microplastics from commonly-consumed proteins
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic contamination in 16 protein foods purchased in the US, including seafoods, meats, and plant-based products at different processing levels. Microplastics were detected across all protein categories, with processing level influencing contamination amounts.
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AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured microplastic contamination in 16 commonly consumed protein products in the United States, including seafoods, terrestrial meats, and plant-based proteins at three levels of processing. Microplastics were detected across all protein categories, with highly processed products generally containing more particles than minimally processed ones.
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