Microplastics as emerging contaminants in the food chain: Assessing exposure and threats to consumers

Abstract

The current review discusses microplastics origin, movement, and dispersion in the environment, the threats may pose for health, and how they can be tackled. Primary and secondary sources may produce these particles; for example, industrial plastic pellets or the breakdown of larger plastic items. The entry and deposition of these microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) into the food chain, during food processing and preservation lead to turn contamination of the seafood and meat, drinks, dairy products, cereals, processed foods, packaged products, and bottled drinking water. NPs are small enough to breach biological barriers and bioaccumulate in tissues. Although the long-term effects of MPs and NPs on human health have not yet been confirmed, their effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption of the gut microbiota have been verified. Therefore, this issue requires a multisectoral approach and it involves advanced techniques for the detection of MPs and NPs, alternative sustainable solutions to plastics, improved waste management systems, and proper public policies. Through the elaboration of the microspheres' omnipresence, the article further emphasizes the critical requirement for broad solutions dedicated to their minimization for food safety and human health.