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Researchers call for policies to prevent microplastics in supply chain

Food packaging researchers aiming to understand how microplastics enter our food and beverages are calling for policies to address their presence.

In a new study published in the npj journal Science of Food, researchers explore food contact articles as a source of microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs). The researchers state that while it is acknowledged that MNPs in foodstuffs lead to human exposure and are connected to environmental contamination, how plastics contribute to MNP migration in food contact articles (FCAs) is less understood.

While the term ‘microplastics’ currently lacks a universally accepted definition, it refers to a mixture of materials ranging between 0.1 and 5000 micrometres (μm), formed from pieces of that size or that have broken apart from larger plastic objects. A 2025 study identifies that in 2017 alone, between 4.8 million and 12.7 million tonnes of plastics entered global waters.

Microplastic presence in food and beverages

The study’s researchers have detected MNPs in a variety of foods and beverages (F&B), with environmental contamination identified as one source responsible for their presence.

“However, plastic food packaging and other plastic food contact articles (FCAs), such as processing equipment and kitchen utensils, are a much more obvious source,” Lisa Zimmermann, scientific communication officer at the Food Packaging Forum Foundation, told Ingredients Network.

Researchers set out to systematically map the scientific evidence of MNPs present in foodstuffs originating from FCAs. “Our study demonstrates that the normal and intended use of plastic FCAs leads to the release of MNPs into foodstuffs,” said Zimmermann. Plastic food packaging and processing equipment are likely relevant sources of human exposure to MNPs.

Previous research has typically observed certain types of FCAs, such as bottles and tea bags, as well as polymers like PET and PP. In this study, the researchers sought to identify the specific FCAs and polymer types that are often responsible for releasing plastic particles.

“Our study further revealed a scarcity of highly reliable data on the topic,” Zimmermann said. Mostly, studies are not designed to elucidate the origins of MNPs in F&Bs. “This hampers evidence-based mitigation,” Zimmermann added.

In their study, the researchers found that a chemical’s migration level (the amount that chemicals can be absorbed into a packaging material through food) can increase with an FCA’s growing use, washing, and age.

Of the 103 studies included in the researchers’ analysis, 102 reported the presence of MNPs in food, beverages or food simulants they investigated. “This demonstrates that these small plastic particles are present across a wide range of foodstuffs,” said Zimmermann.

Microplastic levels found in F&Bs varied between the investigated samples. The type of food packaging, processing line, and storage all influence MNP concentrations in food and require further in-depth investigation through highly reliable studies.

Do UPFs amplify the problem?

The rise of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in the global food supply chain raises questions about the role food processing equipment plays in the prevalence of MNPs within FCAs. A 2025 research study into UPF consumption in the US shows that the food group now accounts for more than 50% of the population’s diet. Similarly, in Europe, researchers identified that UPFs constitute up to 44% of consumers’ intake.

With the increasing body of scientific understanding surrounding UPFs, evidence indicates that UPFs contain considerably more microplastics than minimally processed products, with plastic food processing equipment being a possible cause. One study exploring microplastic contamination in proteins suggests that this is primarily due to the higher number of food processing steps, which increases the contact time with plastic food processing equipment and subsequently the likelihood of MNP migration.

Policies’ role in combating MNPs risk

Robust F&B product testing ahead of market entry could address the presence of MNPs in food originating from food packaging.

“Regulations could mandate MNP migration testing prior to placing plastic food contact articles (FCAs) on the market,” Zimmermann said. The study’s researchers stated that this could mean, for example, that only products from manufacturers that have demonstrated no MNP release would be permitted for sale, making them available to consumers.

“Such requirements for MNPs have not yet been established, highlighting the need for further policy development in this area,” Zimmermann added.