Plastics Affecting Global Food Safety, Says Australian National Science Agency
Microplastics and nanoplastics are pervasive in the food supply and may be affecting food safety and security on a global scale, according to a new study led by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Australia’s national science agency.
The study is one of the first to analyze the academic literature on microplastics from a food safety and food security risk perspective, building on past studies that primarily tracked plastics in fish. Findings show that plastics and plastic additives are present at a range of concentrations in fish, as well as in meat, chicken, rice, water, takeout foods and drinks, and fresh produce.