Archive · 6 Jun 2025
Microplastics: Daily Consumption of Plastic in Our Food Supply
Imagine tiny pieces of plastic, too small to see, getting into your food and water.
These microplastics come from plastic waste and are everywhere.
They're in seafood, vegetables, and even rice.
Eating these can expose you to chemicals.
Scientists are still figuring out how much this affects our health.
To eat less plastic, drink filtered water and avoid food wrapped in plastic.
It's a growing problem, and by making smart choices, we can help protect ourselves and the planet.
Microplastics and nanoplastics, invisible plastic particles, are entering the human food chain.
Plastic production results in massive waste, with millions of tonnes entering oceans annually.
Microplastics have been found in various food items, including both plant and animal products.
These plastics contain harmful chemicals and have been detected in human bodies.
Scientists are still studying the long-term health impacts of microplastic ingestion.
- Who
- People globally are consuming microplastics.
- What
- Consumption of microplastics, tiny plastic particles, is widespread in food and water.
- When
- Ongoing, as plastic production and waste continue.
- Where
- Microplastics are found globally, from the Arctic to food sources.
- Why
- Because plastic waste contaminates food sources and water.
General public
Researchers
Health Impact Assessment
General public
Concerns about health risks.
Researchers
Ongoing investigation to assess the health risks.
- Annual Plastic Production
- 430 million tonnes
- Plastic Entering Oceans Annually
- 11 million metric tonnes
- Microplastic Size Range
- 5 mm to 1 micron
- Percentage of animal and plant protein samples with microplastics
- 90%
- Microplastic count in breaded shrimp (per serving)
- 300 pieces
- Estimated annual microplastic particles consumed by most people
- 11,000 to 29,000