The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has introduced a new webpage dedicated to micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in food. The page, published on July 24, 2024, provides general information on MNPs, as well as how these particles may end up in foodstuffs, and whether there is scientific evidence on associated health risks (FPF reported).
According to the FDA, the main source of MNP particles in foods is from environmental contamination where foods are produced. The agency further claims that “there is not sufficient scientific evidence to show that microplastics and nanoplastics from plastic food packaging migrate into foods and beverages” (FPF reported).
While the methods for detecting and identifying MNPs are still being standardized (FPF reported), multiple studies have found evidence that the normal and intended usage of foodware and packaging is a source of MNPs in food (FPF reported, here and here). As food processing equipment is regulated under the same conditions as food packaging, it may not be appropriate to group it with broader sources of environmental contamination.
The FDA notes that although MNPs have been detected in various foods, their presence does not inherently pose a risk or violate FDA regulations unless they are shown to cause health concerns. Additionally, the current lack of standardized methods for detecting, quantifying, and characterizing MNPs raises questions about the accuracy and specificity of many studies, the agency says. They will continue to monitor new research on MNPs.
The Food Packaging Forum is part of AURORA, a research project focusing on early-life human health impacts from exposure to MNPs, funded by the European Union under the Horizon 2020 research and innovation program. AURORA is one of five projects within the CUSP research cluster investigating health impacts of MNPs. With the projects coming to an end in 2026 and 2025, respectively, new scientific insights on the topic are expected in the coming months.
Reference
US FDA (July 24, 2024) “Microplastics and nanoplastics in foods.”
Read more
Keller & Heckman (July 31, 2024) “FDA publishes web page on microplastics and nanoplastics in food.”
Valerie Volcovici (August 14, 2024) “Exclusive-In shift, US backs global target to reduce plastic production, source says.” Reuters