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Branded milks – Are they immune from microplastics contamination?
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Researchers tested 23 branded milk samples from international and national brands in Mexico and found microplastics in all of them, averaging about 6.5 particles per liter. The most common types were blue fibers made of thermoplastic sulfone polymers, which are widely used as membrane materials in dairy processing equipment. The study provides the first baseline data on microplastic contamination in dairy products and suggests that manufacturing processes may be a contributing source.
The widespread dispersal of microplastic (plastic particle <5 mm) contamination in human food chain is gaining more attention in the public arena and scientific community. Better assessment of diversified consumer products is a key for combating problems related to microplastic contamination. To the best of our knowledge, no study has been conducted on dairy milk products, and the current research status of microplastics is lacking. Here, a total of 23 milk samples (22 adult and 1 kid) from 5 international and 3 national brands of Mexico was collected and tested for the occurrence of microplastics. Results confirmed the ubiquity of microplastics in the analyzed samples and showed variability ranging between 3 ± 2-11 ± 3.54 particles L with an overall average of 6.5 ± 2.3 particles L which are lower than any reported levels in liquid food products. Microplastic particles exhibited variety of colors (blue, brown, red and pink), shapes (fibers and fragments) and sizes (0.1-5 mm). Among which, blue colored fibers (<0.5 mm) were predominant. Micro-Raman identification results revealed that thermoplastic sulfone polymers (polyethersulfone and polysulfone) were common types of microplastics in milk samples, which are highly used membrane materials in dairy processes. Thus, this study findings developed a baseline outlook for microplastics contamination in dairy products and posed a great deal to take necessary controls and preventive measures to avoid them.
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Identification of Microplastics as Emerging Contaminant in Branded Milk of Tamil Nadu State, India
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Researchers analyzed 16 samples from 13 branded milk products sold in Tamil Nadu, India, and found microplastic particles including polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyacrylamide in all samples. The particles were smaller than 500 micrometers, and contamination levels varied across brands. The findings suggest that plastic packaging may be a source of microplastic contamination in commercially available dairy products.
Microplastics in Brazilian milk: isolation and characterization
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Brazilian researchers isolated and characterized microplastics from commercial milk samples, finding particles in all tested products across multiple polymer types, and raising concerns about microplastic contamination of dairy products through packaging and processing environments.
Study of fibrous microplastic and natural microfiber levels in branded milk samples from Italy
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Researchers analyzed 20 samples of branded milk from Italy for microfiber contamination and found natural and synthetic microfibers in nearly 68% of samples, with counts ranging from 1 to 27 particles per 100 milliliters. Chemical analysis confirmed the presence of polyethylene, polyester, acrylic, and cellulosic fibers. The study represents the first evidence of microfiber occurrence in Italian branded milk, adding to the growing body of research on microplastic contamination in common food products.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of microplastics in milk samples
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Researchers analyzed microplastics in milk samples collected from branded products, dairies, and directly from cow sheds. They found microplastic particles present in the milk samples, with fibers being among the identified types. The study raises awareness about a potential dietary exposure pathway for microplastics through commonly consumed dairy products.
Characterization of microplastics in skim-milk powders
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Researchers tested 16 skim-milk powder samples from eight European countries and found microplastics in every single one, identifying 536 plastic particles across 29 different polymer types. The most common plastics found were polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and PET, suggesting widespread contamination of dairy products that could contribute to human microplastic intake.
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