Plastic in Our Food: Should We Be Concerned?

Still Alchemy · Jul 10, 2026 · 21m

Plastic has become part of everyday life, but growing research shows that tiny plastic particles, known as microplastics, are now present in many of the foods and drinks we consume. Microplastics are pieces of plastic smaller than five millimetres that form when larger plastic products break down or are manufactured for specific uses. They have been found in drinking water, seafood, fruits, vegetables, salt, honey, rice, and many packaged foods.

Food can pick up plastic at different stages of production. Crops may be exposed through contaminated soil or water, while seafood can ingest plastic…