Study finds microplastics in everyday food ingredients .
Study made by toxic links titled microplastics in salt and sugar . Microplastics are plastic particles that have a size range of less than 5 mm down to 1 µm . Microplastic is present everywhere, and now found in household food items .
10 samples of salt, and 5 samples of sugar were examined to detect the presence of micro plastic .
The results show that all of the samples had microplastics in them. Through the study, it was identified the microplastics content varied in colours and were irregular in shapes along with presence varies from smaller to larger size of particles were found .
Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is technique used to identify MPs by determining their chemical composition . Through which presence of polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene was found in the salt.
Microplastics were found in different types of salt, ranging from about 6.71 to 89.15 pieces/kg of dry weight. The highest amount was found in a sample of iodised salt, with 89 pieces per kilogram, while the lowest amount was in an organic rock salt sample, with about 7 pieces per kilogram.
While studying sugar content , Microplastics abundance varied in different sugar samples . Among the 5 sugar samples tested, the sample labeled Su-1 had most microplastics, with 68.25 pieces / Kg . The organic sugar sample, Su-2, had the fewest microplastic pieces, with 11.85 per kilogram.
Indians are exposed to these MPS as they are commonly used in every day life . Recommendation made to implement strict regulatory standards for limit of MPS presence. Along with keeping in check with the brands. Spreading public awareness about the microplastics and its health risk. Along with promoting research and development to explore more .
study and report is by Priti Banthia Mahesh, Chief Programme Coordinator, Toxics Link.
Dr Anjali S. Nair, Programme Officer, Toxics Link.
Dr Amit, Ex-Programme Coordinator, Toxics Link.
By- Himani Gupta
