Microplastics aren't just an ocean pollution issue anymore. They're now a daily part of our diet. Recent research shows that common foods and drinks, including something as routine as chewing gum, may be delivering thousands of tiny plastic particles into your body without you even realizing it.
Studies estimate the average person consumes between 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles annually through food and beverages alone - and when airborne particles are included, that number can climb as high as 120,000. These microscopic fragments can come from packaging, processing, and even additives in the food supply chain.
We spoke to a family physician to break down what this means for your health, which foods contain the most microplastics, and how to reduce your exposure. If you want to limit your intake, it starts with cutting back on these eight high-risk items. Here's what to avoid, what to watch for, and how to make smarter choices for your body and the planet.
Read more: Microplastics Are Hiding in Your Kitchen. Here's How to Spot Them
How many microplastics are too many?
"There is no officially established 'safe' or 'unsafe' level of microplastic intake. It makes sense to want your exposure to be as low as possible," Dr. Joseph Mercola, a board-certified family medicine osteopathic physician, said in an email.
Microplastics can enter our food due to contamination where the food was grown, raised or processed. Mercola explained that using plastic mulch and plastic seed coatings in agriculture, and irrigation with contaminated water, are among the various ways microplastics can end up in food. Plastic packaging, utensils and containers are additional sources.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration, current evidence doesn't suggest that the levels of microplastics in food are a risk to us. However, you still might want to minimize how much microplastics you passively consume. These are the most common foods that contain microplastics, and the measures you can adopt to reduce your plastic intake.
Top 8 foods in your diet that contain microplastics
1. Seafood
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