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Reference Materials for Microplastics: Key to Standardization and Validation of Methods in Food and the Environment
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This review examines the critical role of reference materials (RMs) in standardizing microplastic detection and measurement in food products, highlighting existing examples like PET particles and soda tablet capsule RMs used in laboratory intercomparisons. Standardized RMs are essential for producing comparable, reproducible data on microplastic contamination in food—a prerequisite for meaningful regulatory action and human exposure assessment.
The increasing presence of microplastics in food products has attracted significant scientific and public concern due to their potential health risks. However, defining and accurately measuring microplastics remains a critical challenge, primarily due to their diverse size distribution and material properties. To address this issue, the development and application of reference materials (RMs) have emerged as essential tools for enhancing the reliability and reproducibility of analytical methods. This article explores the pivotal role of RMs in microplastic analysis within the food sector. It reviews existing examples, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles used for homogeneity and stability testing, and innovative approaches like soda tablets and capsules containing microplastics designed for laboratory intercomparisons. These developments highlight the potential of RMs in standardizing methodologies, validating detection techniques, and improving data comparability across laboratories. The utilization of RMs is particularly critical for validating analytical methods to detect microplastics in food products. Standardization through RMs enhances analytical precision and lays the groundwork for establishing harmonized analytical approaches for microplastic testing following European Union (EU) regulations. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, including the limited availability of certified reference materials (CRMs) tailored explicitly to food matrices. Future research should focus on developing CRMs that address these specific needs and ensuring their incorporation into regulatory frameworks. By bridging the gap between scientific innovation and practical application, this work underscores the necessity of RMs as a cornerstone for advancing the analytical landscape of microplastic detection in the food sector. Addressing these gaps will enable the food industry to achieve harmonized and reliable microplastic monitoring and control.
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