You Could be Eating a Credit Card’s Worth of Microplastic Each Week

Searches for “microplastics in humans” have surged by 5000% in the past week as people become increasingly concerned about the dangers of microplastics. From your morning coffee to your lunchtime salad, microplastics could be sneaking into your diet without you even realising it. But what are the most common sources, and how can you avoid them?

Regular readers will know that we’ve warned about the consumption of microplastic many times in our editorials. Without ‘beating around the bush’, consuming microplastics is a real and present danger to all living things.

Take a look at the picture above, and imagine potentially putting a credit card-sized amount of plastic in your body every week. We know it’s almost impossible to fathom, but that could be what you are doing, and you won’t realise you are doing it until it’s too late.

It would be unfair to criticise people for not paying more attention to microplastics in their daily lives. After all, they are “out of sight, out of mind,” which is where they shouldn’t be.

The onus is on us, the media, to bring this urgent issue to the masses and to help us; multiple peer-reviewed studies are continuously providing evidence of serious health risks, particularly cardiovascular and neurological.

Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimetres in diameter, are everywhere, from oceans to our food and air. Although earlier assessments, such as the 2022 WHO report, found evidence of harm, the danger was, let’s say, understated. More recent studies paint a starker and more complete picture, showing that microplastics have been found accumulating in human brains, with higher levels found in dementia patients.

Rant over, let’s look at what Lisa Devlin has to say on the matter:

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PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals’, are man-made chemicals that resist heat, water, and oil. Because of this, they are often used in takeaway food and drink packaging. These chemicals don’t break down in the environment quickly, which is why they end up in our bodies. Therefore, moving away from PFAS food packaging sooner rather than later is crucial for protecting our health and the environment.

On the matter, Lisa Devlin, Marketing Manager at Takeaway Packaging, says:

“With rising concerns over microplastics entering our bodies, being aware of how we package and consume food is more important than ever. While many people focus on cutting out processed foods or choosing organic ingredients, few realise how plastic packaging could be contaminating their meals.

Studies show that microplastics leach from containers into hot food and drinks, meaning your morning takeaway coffee, pre-packed lunch, or microwave meal could increase your plastic intake.

Shocking research has found that people unknowingly consume around a credit card’s worth of plastic each week. Much of this plastic comes from food packaging, which is especially dangerous when exposed to heat or acidity. This means that piping hot soup in a plastic-lined container or a squeeze of lemon in a plastic takeaway tiffin could increase your exposure.

The good news? Sustainable packaging innovations are keeping pace with eco-conscious food trends. Compostable materials like bagasse made from sugarcane fibres are a plastic-free alternative that eliminates the hidden health risks. As demand grows for natural, unprocessed foods, it’s time we extend that thinking to what our food comes in.

Switching to plant-based, microplastic-free packaging isn’t just an environmental choice; it’s a health necessity.”

Below, Lisa has shared with us her top 3 ways to reduce your daily exposure to microplastics from food packaging:

Opt for plastic-free packaging
“Restaurants and food takeaways should consider making the switch to food and drink containers made from compostable materials like bagasse or Kraftware, which won’t leach microplastics into meals or hot drinks. They are grease-proof and water-resistant, so the food’s freshness and taste are preserved without leaks or soaking through the packaging.”

Minimise a Plastic Container’s Heat Exposure
“Hot food and drinks in plastic containers increase the danger of microplastic contamination. If your Friday night takeaway arrives in a plastic container, transfer it to a glass or stainless steel vessel for safer reheating and eating.”

Be aware of the difference between ‘recyclable’, ‘compostable’ and ‘biodegradable’
“Not all eco packaging is as green as it seems and some could even be adding microplastics to your meal. Compostable packaging, like bagasse or Kraft, is the best option for takeaways because it breaks down naturally without leaving any nasties behind.

Recyclable packaging, like glass and metal, is a safer bet, but plastic-based recyclables can still degrade into microplastics. The real issue? Biodegradable plastics. They can take ages to break down, all while shedding microplastics into your hot coffee or takeaway curry. Food vendors should aim to eliminate plastic from their packaging, while consumers should make informed choices that protect their health in the long run.”