Episode 41 - Microplastics in food: What we (don’t) know

Microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment, from oceans to our food and drinking water. Microplastics are defined as plastic particles smaller than approximately five millimeters that form when larger plastic waste breaks down in the environment. In the past, microplastics were considered a problem only in marine environments, but in recent years scientists have discovered they are also present in soil and ultimately in the human body. According to the latest Eurobarometer data, microplastics are among the top food-related concerns for Europeans. The episode explores where microplastics come from, how they enter food and drinking water, and what happens to them after entering the human body. Together with EFSA expert Elena Rovesti, the podcast examines what science already knows, what uncertainties remain, and what research is underway to better understand the risks associated with microplastics in food.