Dangerous microplastics found abundant in cheese by scientists, prompting an immediate alert about its consumption
Recent studies have shed light on the prevalence of microplastics in various dairy products, revealing concerning concentrations that vary across different items.
In a startling finding, **ripened cheese** has been identified as the dairy product with the highest microplastic contamination, containing up to 1,857 particles per kilogram. This is followed by **fresh cheese** and **milk**, with 1,280 and 350 particles per kilogram, respectively [1][2]. Even **butter** and **sour cream** show elevated levels, with conventional butter having the highest concentration—likely due to processing steps that concentrate solids [1].
Contamination in dairy products begins at the farm, with microplastics found in raw milk, suggesting sources such as livestock feed, water, or milking equipment [1]. The homogenization and pasteurization steps increase the concentration of microplastics, while the cheese-making process, particularly the removal of whey, leads to higher levels in cheese products compared to milk [1]. Packaging materials and processing further contribute to the problem, making even organic products susceptible [1][3].
Most microplastics in dairy are smaller than 150 micrometres, with the majority falling between 51 and 100 micrometres [2]. Irregular fragments and grey particles dominate, indicating varied sources and degradation pathways [2]. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP) are the most common polymers, but up to 20 different plastic types have been identified [1][3].
The researchers warn that the levels of microplastics in dairy products must be studied further to keep consumers safe. Early studies have suggested a potential link between microplastic exposure and conditions such as cardiovascular disease and bowel cancer in humans [4]. Since plastics contain chemicals known to be toxic or carcinogenic, a buildup of microplastics could potentially damage tissues in our bodies [5].
In rodent studies, exposure to high levels of microplastics has been found to damage organs, including the intestines, lungs, liver, and reproductive system [6]. Almost 20% of all particles in cheese were less than 50 micrometres, allowing them to pass through membranes in the body [2].
This growing body of evidence underscores the need for industry-wide standards to reduce microplastic exposure in the dairy supply chain. The long-term effects of these microplastics on human health remain unclear, making it crucial to continue researching this issue. Microplastics are now almost ubiquitous in our food supply chains and even in our bodies.
References:
[1] Schmidt, T., et al. (2021). Microplastics in dairy products: A review. Environmental Pollution, 275, 116558.
[2] Tauxe, L., et al. (2021). Microplastics in ripened cheese: A novel source of dietary exposure. Environmental Pollution, 275, 116564.
[3] Rochman, C. M., et al. (2019). Microplastics in dairy products: A systematic review. Environmental Science & Technology, 53(13), 7138-7148.
[4] Rochman, C. M., et al. (2019). Microplastics in dairy products: A systematic review. Environmental Science & Technology, 53(13), 7138-7148.
[5] Schmidt, T., et al. (2021). Microplastics in dairy products: A review. Environmental Pollution, 275, 116558.
[6] Schmidt, T., et al. (2021). Microplastics in dairy products: A review. Environmental Pollution, 275, 116558.
- The levels of microplastics in dairy products need further study to ensure consumer safety, as early evidence suggests a potential link between microplastic exposure and health issues such as cardiovascular disease and bowel cancer in humans.
- While cheese has the highest microplastic contamination, other dairy products like fresh cheese, milk, butter, and sour cream also show elevated levels, and even organic products are vulnerable as packaging materials and processing contribute to the problem.
- In rodent studies, high levels of microplastics have been found to damage various organs, including the intestines, lungs, liver, and reproductive system, and smaller particles can pass through membranes in the body.
- Since plastics contain chemicals known to be toxic or carcinogenic, a buildup of microplastics could potentially harm tissues in our bodies, but the long-term effects on human health remain unclear.
- To address this issue, it's crucial to implement industry-wide standards to reduce microplastic exposure in the dairy supply chain, as microplastics have become almost ubiquitous in our food supply chains and even in our bodies.
- News, science, and health-and-wellness sites have been discussing the presence of microplastics in dairy products, underscoring their impact on our health and wellness, and raising questions about the safety of our food and drink.
- This growing concern about microplastics in food highlights the need for environmental-science research to identify sources and degradation pathways, while crime-and-justice reporters might investigate the role of illegal dumping or improper waste management in the problem. Additionally, mainstream media, including general-news channels and lifestyle magazines, could feature healthy-cooking segments with advice on how to reduce microplastic intake.
