New reports reveal alarming danger in food storage containers: 'Higher risk for exposure'

Microplastics have become ubiquitous, appearing in water, soil, and even within the human body. Researchers are actively studying their health impacts while also investigating where these tiny plastic fragments originate.

A recent review by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) examined existing studies on microplastics and nanoplastics released from materials that come into contact with food. The review highlighted both evidence of plastic particle release and significant gaps in research methods that complicate understanding the true scale of the problem.

Insights from the EFSA Review

The EFSA review analyzed over 1,700 studies conducted from 2015 to early 2025, focusing on food contact items such as bottles, storage containers, and packaging. Results indicate that microplastics can be released through everyday actions like twisting caps, rubbing storage bags, or using plastic-based filters and tea bags. Items that are older, porous, or fibrous are especially likely to shed particles.

However, the review also noted that many studies suffer from methodological weaknesses, including inconsistent testing and contamination during experiments. These flaws may have led to overestimations of microplastic presence in food. As a result, EFSA concluded that there is currently insufficient evidence to quantify how much plastic consumers ingest from packaging.

Why Microplastics in Food Containers Matter

Microplastics pose both environmental and health concerns. Early research links them to inflammation and chronic conditions such as lung disease, though long-term effects remain uncertain. Some populations, including low-income and marginalized communities, experience higher exposure to plastics and microplastics through food packaging and environmental waste, putting them at greater risk.

Next Steps in Research

EFSA recommends standardizing testing methods and improving techniques to detect plastic particles, including nanoplastics. Future studies should focus on real foods rather than substitutes like water, analyze particle composition, and compare exposure from packaging with other sources in daily life.

Until more definitive data is available, individuals concerned about exposure can reduce their use of plastics, choose reusable glass or stainless steel containers, and avoid single-use items whenever possible.

Author: Aiden Foster