Microplastics can be found in almost all food products. Below are three food items at risk of microplastic contamination. Information is provided by Zoie Diana, postdoctoral fellow at the University of Toronto and Gea Oliveri Conti, professor at the University of Catania.

Meat

A study done by the nonprofit Ocean Conservancy and the University of Toronto measured the amount of microplastics in chicken nuggets, steak, pork and chicken breast, Diana said. Nearly 90 percent of meat products tested for microplastics were found to be contaminated. Chicken nuggets contained the highest amount of microplastics, while chicken breast contained the least.

Fruit

Microplastics in water, air and soil can be absorbed by plants. Researchers studied many different fruits and vegetables from various locations around the world and concluded that all fruits and vegetables contain microplastics, Conti said. Seed-bearing fruits, which constantly need to provide nutrition to their seeds, contain the most microplastics, according to Conti’s research with the Environmental and Food Hygiene Laboratory at the University of Catania. 

Seafood

Highly processed seafood like breaded shrimp contains more microplastics compared to freshly caught seafood, researchers from the nonprofit Ocean Conservancy and the University of Toronto said. Food processing increases exposure to contaminants in the air. Marine life can ingest microplastics by directly eating plastic waste, eating prey that have ingested microplastics or by taking in contaminated water.