Food Safety: More Research Needed on Exposure to, Toxicity of Microplastics in Food

There are significant knowledge gaps regarding the presence of nano- and microplastics in foods and their harmful effects on human health, according to a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The document aims to support much-needed future exposure assessments, as well as the development of appropriate legislation and guidance documents on food production, processing, distribution, and consumption in relation to nano- and microplastics contamination.

Despite the dearth of information currently available on the toxicity of nano- and microplastics, FAO urges authorities, stakeholders, and legislative bodies to, where necessary, set limits on human exposure to the substances by implementing precautionary measures. For example, FAO suggests identifying limits for certain food commodities, monitoring the intake of nano- and microplastics through food, and improving the plastic circular economy or increasing the use of biodegradable plastics.

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