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Microplastics in the Food Chain
Summary
This review summarized current knowledge about microplastics in the food chain, from their origins in packaging and industrial products to their presence in seafood and other food items. Researchers noted that while marine organisms have been the primary focus of study, much less is known about microplastic contamination in other foods. The study concludes that the issue remains insufficiently examined and warrants more attention to protect public health.
Currently, microplastics represent a widespread contamination found in almost every part of the environment. The plastic industry has generated waste since the 1950s, which unfortunately now counts in the millions. The largest share of plastic consumption is used to produce packaging materials, including those applied in the food industry. The versatility of plastic materials is mainly due to their lightness, flexibility, strength, and persistence. Although plastic materials are widely used due to their beneficial properties, contamination of the environment with microplastics and nanoplastics is an emerging problem worldwide. This type of contamination is endangering animal life and thus also the food chain and public health. This review summarizes the knowledge about microplastics in the food chain. The effect of microplastics on the food chain has been particularly studied in marine organisms, and research deals less with other food commodities. Therefore, based on the studied literature, we can conclude that the issue is still not sufficiently examined, and should be paid more attention to maintain the health of the population.