Literature review on micro‐ and nanoplastic release from food contact materials during their use

Abstract To search for evidence of micro‐ and nanoplastics (MNP) release during the uses of food contact materials (FCM), a structured literature review was carried out on studies published between 2015 and 20th January 2025. It identified 1711 publications of which 122 were selected for data extraction. Eight additional publications were added to provide more context. Most studies concern microplastics, while data on nanoplastics are almost entirely absent. Most publications use water or aqueous food simulants as FCM contact medium for suspension and subsequent isolation of released MNP. Foods other than mineral water were tested in only few cases. Despite the large number of publications investigating the release of MNP from FCM, the available evidence concerning the characteristics and quantities of released MNP from FCM remains limited. Many publications are affected by methodological shortcomings in test conditions, in sample preparation, and by deficiencies in the reliability of analytical data, with the consequence of frequent misidentification and miscounting. Based on the findings on release mechanisms, contaminations, mimicking substances, particle numbers and masses generated during the use of FCMs, it is concluded that (i) there is evidence of microplastics released during the uses of FCM, (ii) this release is due to mechanical stress, such as abrasion or friction, or due to materials with open or fibrous structures, (iii) despite the uncertainties, the actual release is much lower than the results presented in many publications. In view of all this, there is no sufficient basis at this stage to estimate MNP exposure from FCM during their uses. This review identifies methodological shortcomings and data gaps, and makes recommendations on related future research needs.