By Abdullahi Lukman
Consumers may be unknowingly ingesting microscopic plastic particles from common food packaging, according to a new study published in NPJ Science of Food.
The research reveals that opening and using packaged food items—such as deli meats, fruits, vegetables, bottled drinks, and even tea bags—can introduce microplastics and nanoplastics into the food and beverages we consume.
The study, led by Lisa Zimmermann of the Food Packaging Forum in Zurich, found that mechanical actions like twisting bottle caps or unwrapping plastic packaging can cause the release of plastic fragments.
“The number of microplastics increases with each bottle opening,” said Zimmermann.
“It’s the usage of the food contact material that leads to micro- and nanoplastic release.”
Even glass containers with plastic-coated metal lids were found to shed particles. Researchers identified food packaging and processing equipment as direct sources of contamination.
Previous studies have already found plastic particles in items like beer, rice, canned fish, soft drinks, table salts, and take-out foods.
In one example, bottled water was shown to contain an average of 240,000 plastic particles per liter, 90% of which were nanoplastics—so small they can enter the bloodstream through the digestive tract or lungs.
Nanoplastics, typically smaller than 1 micrometer, may transport toxic synthetic chemicals throughout the body and into cells.
The study is the first systematic analysis linking normal usage of food packaging to direct contamination from plastic particles.
A review of over a thousand scientific studies narrowed the data down to 103 relevant papers, with just seven considered highly reliable in terms of scientific methodology.
Researchers also found that ultraprocessed foods contained more microplastics due to their prolonged exposure to plastic equipment during manufacturing.
Heating, washing for reuse, exposure to sunlight, and repeated physical stress all increased the amount of plastic that migrated into food.
For instance, melamine bowls released more microplastics the more they were washed, with higher amounts found after repeated use.
Health concerns surrounding microplastic exposure continue to grow.
A separate 2024 study found plastic particles in human brain tissue, lungs, liver, blood, and even placenta and breast milk.
Most alarming, people with plastic particles in their carotid arteries were twice as likely to suffer a heart attack, stroke, or die within three years than those without.
Experts stress the importance of systemic change. “This study should raise alarm bells,” said David Andrews, acting chief science officer at the Environmental Working Group.
“It highlights food packaging as a major source of plastic particle exposure.”
Consumers can take steps to reduce their exposure by avoiding microwaving food in plastic, switching to glass or stainless steel containers, and steering clear of plastics marked with recycling code 3, which often contain harmful phthalates.
However, experts emphasize that individual efforts are not enough.
“This is not something any individual can solve on their own,” said Jane Muncke, a co-author of the study.
“We need systemic action to reduce plastic production and pollution.”
In August, more than 175 countries will gather in Geneva for the final round of negotiations on a Global Plastics Treaty.
Researchers and environmental advocates are urging the public to push for strong, legally binding action to address the growing crisis of plastic pollution.
