Introduction
Microplastics are small plastic particles measuring less than 5 millimeters, created either by the breakdown of larger plastics or intentionally manufactured at a microscopic level. Over time, these particles have made their way into the environment—and disturbingly—into our food. Studies from organizations like Consumer Reports and others show that everyday foods and beverages from leading brands contain microplastics, exposing consumers to potential health risks with every bite and sip. Given these findings, it is crucial that lawmakers pass a bill mandating companies to label foods that contain microplastics. A “Contains Microplastics” label would inform consumers, empower them to make safer choices, and push food producers toward stricter contamination controls.
Health Risks of Microplastics and Phthalates in Food
Microplastics are not just a harmless byproduct; they often carry harmful chemicals that pose health risks to humans. Phthalates, toxic additives that increase the flexibility of plastics, frequently adhere to microplastics. Research links phthalates to hormone disruption, reproductive issues, metabolic disorders, and other serious health conditions. Additionally, studies suggest that when ingested, microplastics may accumulate in the body, potentially damaging cells and leading to long-term health consequences.
Beyond phthalates, microplastics can carry other contaminants, such as heavy metals, that can leach into the body. Researchers continue to investigate these long-term effects, but the current evidence makes it clear that microplastics and their toxic additives are not suitable for human consumption. A warning label would ensure that consumers are aware of these risks and allow them to avoid products that may contain microplastics.
Brands and Products with Documented Microplastic and Phthalate Contamination
Studies have identified a range of popular brands with significant microplastic or phthalate contamination:
- Bottled Water: A 2018 study by Mason, Welch, and Neratko found that 93% of bottled water samples contained microplastics. Major brands, including Nestlé Pure Life and Dasani, were among those testing positive for microplastic contamination (Mason, Welch, & Neratko, 2018).
- Seafood: Research by Rochman et al. (2015) showed that seafood, including fish and shellfish, frequently contains plastic particles due to ocean pollution. Since fish and shellfish ingest microplastics, these particles accumulate in their bodies and eventually reach consumers.
- Table Salt: A global study by Kim et al. (2018) found that 90% of table salt brands contained microplastics, with sea salt brands having the highest concentrations. This contamination highlights the prevalence of microplastics in everyday foods.
- Processed Cheese Products: A Consumer Reports analysis in 2017 found that boxed macaroni and cheese products, especially the powdered cheese packets, had high levels of phthalates. The Kraft brand, for example, showed elevated phthalate levels due to plastic contamination during processing.
- Fast Food Items: Zota, Phillips, and Mitro (2021) found that fast food items from chains like McDonald’s and Burger King contained significant levels of phthalates, likely from plastic packaging and processing equipment. High levels of phthalates were found in burgers, fries, and chicken items.
The widespread contamination across brands and types of foods indicates that consumers are regularly exposed to microplastics and phthalates. Labeling foods with microplastic contamination would give consumers a clearer picture of what’s in their food and the potential health risks involved.
The Proposed Law: Requiring “Contains Microplastics” Labels
A law mandating “Contains Microplastics” labels on food products would create much-needed transparency in the food industry. Here’s how the proposed law could work:
- Testing and Standards: Food manufacturers would be required to test their products for microplastics and provide clear labeling on any item found to contain them. A regulatory body, such as the FDA in the United States, would set minimum standards for microplastic testing and ensure compliance.
- Labeling Requirements: Products testing positive for microplastics, regardless of concentration, would carry a mandatory “Contains Microplastics” label. This label would appear prominently on the front of packaging, providing clear visibility for consumers.
- Consumer Choice and Awareness: This label would inform consumers about the presence of microplastics, empowering them to make informed choices. Those who prioritize health or wish to avoid plastic contaminants could easily identify and avoid these products.
- Industry Accountability and Cleaner Practices: By requiring transparency about microplastic contamination, the law would motivate manufacturers to adopt safer packaging and processing practices. To avoid the stigma of a warning label, companies might be encouraged to make environmentally responsible changes that reduce contamination levels.
The Benefits of “Contains Microplastics” Labeling
A “Contains Microplastics” labeling law would bring several key benefits:
- Improved Public Health: Clear labeling would allow consumers to avoid products with microplastics, reducing exposure to phthalates and other toxic substances commonly associated with plastic.
- Informed Consumer Choices: Consumers deserve transparency in what they purchase, especially with hidden contaminants. With this labeling, people can make choices aligned with their health and environmental values.
- Environmental Incentives for Industry: This law would encourage food manufacturers to address the root causes of microplastic contamination. To avoid having a microplastic label, companies would likely adopt cleaner production, packaging, and sourcing practices.
- Awareness and Advocacy: Labeling would raise awareness of the broader issue of plastic pollution and its effect on the food supply. As more people become aware, public support for reducing plastic use and improving environmental standards would grow.
Conclusion
The presence of microplastics and phthalates in common foods, from bottled water to fast food, is a growing concern. The lack of transparency around this contamination keeps consumers in the dark, exposing them to potential health risks without their knowledge. A law requiring a “Contains Microplastics” label on any contaminated product would empower consumers, improve public health, and encourage the food industry to adopt safer practices. Lawmakers have a responsibility to pass this law and make food safety standards transparent, protecting consumers from the hidden dangers of microplastic contamination.
References
- Mason, S. A., Welch, V. G., & Neratko, J. (2018). Synthetic polymer contamination in bottled water. Frontiers in Chemistry, 6(407).
- Rochman, C. M., Tahir, A., Williams, S. L., Baxa, D. V., Lam, R., Miller, J. T., … & Teh, S. J. (2015). Anthropogenic debris in seafood: Plastic debris and fibers from textiles in fish and bivalves sold for human consumption. Scientific Reports, 5(1), 1-10.
- Kim, J.-S., Lee, H.-J., Kim, S.-K., & Kim, H.-J. (2018). Global pattern of microplastics (MPs) in commercial food-grade salts: sea salt as an indicator of seawater MP pollution. Environmental Science & Technology, 52(21), 12819–12828.
- Consumer Reports. (2017). Phthalates in boxed mac and cheese. Consumer Reports. Retrieved from Consumer Reports Website.
- Zota, A. R., Phillips, C. A., & Mitro, S. D. (2021). Dietary sources of cumulative phthalates exposure among the U.S. population in NHANES 2005–2014: A focus on fast foods, seafood, and dairy. Environment International, 139, 105700.
Category | Product | Container Type | Phthalates per Serving (ng) |
---|---|---|---|
Beverages | Brisk Iced Tea Lemon | Can | 7,467 |
Beverages | Coca-Cola Original | Plastic | 6,167 |
Beverages | Lipton Diet Green Tea Citrus | Plastic | 4,433 |
Beverages | Poland Spring 100% Natural Spring Water | Plastic | 4,217 |
Beverages | Juicy Juice 100% Juice Apple | Plastic | 3,348 |
Beverages | Pepsi Cola | Can | 2,938 |
Beverages | Juicy Juice 100% Juice Apple | Cardboard Box | 2,260 |
Beverages | Gatorade Frost Thirst Quencher Glacier Freeze | Plastic | 1,752 |
Beverages | Polar Seltzer Raspberry Lime | Can | 0 |
Canned Beans | Hormel Chili With Beans | Can | 9,847 |
Canned Beans | Bush’s Chili Red Beans Mild Chili Sauce | Can | 6,405 |
Canned Beans | Great Value (Walmart) Baked Beans Original | Can | 6,184 |
Canned Beans | Bush’s Baked Beans Original | Can | 3,709 |
Condiments | Mrs. Butterworth’s Syrup Original | Plastic | 1,010 |
Condiments | Hunt’s Tomato Ketchup | Plastic | 574 |
Condiments | Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce Original | Plastic | 22 |
Dairy | Fairlife Core Power High Protein Milk Shake Chocolate | Plastic | 20,452 |
Dairy | SlimFast High Protein Meal Replacement Shake Creamy Chocolate | Plastic | 16,916 |
Dairy | Yoplait Original Low Fat Yogurt French Vanilla | Plastic | 10,948 |
Dairy | Tuscan Dairy Farms Whole Milk | Plastic | 10,932 |
Dairy | Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Vanilla | Paperboard Carton | 6,387 |
Dairy | Wholesome Pantry Organic Whole Milk | Carton | 4,620 |
Dairy | Great Value Ice Cream Homestyle Vanilla | Paperboard | 3,068 |
Dairy | Jell-O Pudding Snacks Original Chocolate | Plastic | 1,756 |
Dairy | Sargento Sliced Natural Cheddar Cheese Sharp | Plastic | 1,481 |
Dairy | Land O’Lakes Butter Salted | Paper Wrap/Cardboard | 581 |
Fast Food | Wendy’s Crispy Chicken Nuggets | Paperboard | 33,980 |
Fast Food | Moe’s Southwest Grill Chicken Burrito | Aluminum Foil | 24,330 |
Fast Food | Chipotle Chicken Burrito | Aluminum Foil | 20,579 |
Fast Food | Burger King Whopper With Cheese | Paper | 20,167 |
Fast Food | Burger King Chicken Nuggets | Paper Bag | 19,782 |
Fast Food | Wendy’s Dave’s Single With Cheese | Aluminum Foil/Paper Wrap | 19,520 |
Fast Food | McDonald’s Quarter Pounder With Cheese | Cardboard | 9,956 |
Fast Food | Wendy’s Natural-Cut French Fries | Paperboard | 8,876 |
Fast Food | Burger King Classic French Fries | Paperboard | 8,512 |
Fast Food | McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets | Cardboard | 8,030 |
Fast Food | Little Caesars Classic Cheese Pizza | Cardboard Box | 5,703 |
Fast Food | McDonald’s French Fries | Paperboard | 5,538 |
Fast Food | McDonald’s Quarter Pounder Hamburger Patty | Varied | 5,428 |
Fast Food |