The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has created a new web page about microplastics and nanoplastics in foods.

The new page includes information on what is known about the health effects of microplastics and nanoplastics in foods and presents information about the FDA’s efforts to monitor the research on microplastics and nanoplastics in the food supply while working to advance the science through analysis of testing methodologies and other related work, including participation in the United States Government Nanoplastics Community of Interest.

The Key Points summarized on their new web page includes:

  • Some evidence suggests that microplastics and nanoplastics are entering the food supply, primarily through the environment.
  • Current scientific evidence does not demonstrate that levels of microplastics or nanoplastics detected in foods pose a risk to human health.
  • The FDA continues to monitor the research on microplastics and nanoplastics in foods and is taking steps to advance the science and ensure our food remains safe.

A recent review entitled, A Critical Assessment of Microplastics in Molluscan Shellfish with Recommendations for Experimental Protocols, Animal Husbandry, Publication, and Future Research, is well-worth acquiring and reading.  The review provides a critical assessment of the current scientific literature on interactions between particle-feeding molluscs and microplastics and their purported impacts (>750 publications), and recommendations for future efforts.

For a copy contact the lead author, Sandra E. Shumway, Ph.D., D.Sc., Department of Marine Scienced, University of Connecticut at sandra.shumway@uconn.edu.