Dietary exposure to micro- and nanoplastics in the Arab Region, a narrative review

• MPs detected in foods and water across 10 Arab countries, raising health concerns • Bottled water, salt, seafood, meat, and poultry found contaminated with MPs • Marine plastic pollution is a major source of MPs in fish, mollusks, and crustaceans • High plastic use and poor waste systems drive dietary MP exposure in the Arab region • Urgent need for monitoring and policy to reduce MP risks to food safety and health : The widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) emerged as a global health concern. These particles have been detected in different components of the food chain, raising increasing concern regarding their potential effects on human health. This narrative review examines the existing body of literature on dietary exposure to MPs and NPs within the Arab region. Despite the growing use of plastics and escalating environmental pollution, research on dietary exposure to MPs and NPs in this region remains limited. : This narrative review screened multiple databases and identified 30 published research articles related to the presence of MPs and NPs in food and drinking water across the Arab countries. These articles were analyzed to examine key parameters, including particle type, size, shape, color, and the specific food or water sources affected. : MPs are prevalent across the Arab region, including Lebanon, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Algeria, Sudan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Tunisia. Numerous food products, including bottled water, salt, meat and poultry have been reported to be heavily contaminated. Marine ecosystems, particularly in the Mediterranean and Red Seas, have shown substantial plastic pollution, contributing to the presence of MPs in marine species such as fish, mollusks, and crustaceans. These contaminated products enter the human food chain, leading to adverse health effects. : The presence of MPs and potential NP infiltration is due to the region’s high rates of plastic waste mismanagement, limited wastewater treatment infrastructure, and increasing plastic consumption. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive monitoring efforts and policy interventions to mitigate plastic pollution and its impact on food safety and public health in the Arab world.