Microplastics in food: The truth behind the blue plastic phenomenon

In 2024, messages on social media warned about blue plastics found in frozen foods, such as fish and croquettes. Although the Spanish Food Safety Agency ruled out a health alert, Experts confirm that microplastics, from packaging, processing and the sea, are already part of our daily dietWhile research into its impact on health is progressing slowly, the scientific community warns that this contamination is deeper and more complex than it seems.

Blue microplastics: the trail of pollution

Images of blue plastics found in frozen foods such as fish and croquettes went viral in early 2024, reopening the debate on food contamination. According to the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN), These cases are isolated and did not involve immediate health risks.However, behind these visible fragments lies a deeper problem: invisible microplastics that contaminate most processed foods.

Ethel Eljarrat, a researcher at the Institute for Environmental Diagnosis and Water Studies (IDAEA-CSIC), explains that microplastics reach food through three main routes: environmental pollution, industrial processes and packaging. In the case of blue plastics, Its use in packaging materials is intended to facilitate its detection during processing.Despite these precautions, traces of the material can seep into products, especially during handling such as cutting or cooking.

How much plastic do we ingest?

Various studies highlight the impact of microplastics in our diet. Research by the American Chemical Society estimates that The average American consumes between 39,000 and 52,000 plastic particles per year, depending on your diet and lifestyle. Other studies suggest that bottled water is a major source of these particles, with a concentration up to 25 times higher than tap water.

Among the foods most affected by microplastics are seafood, such as fish, mollusks and crustaceans, which accumulate particles when ingested in their habitats. In addition, recent research They have pointed out that even non-marine foods, such as meats or ultra-processed products, contain traces of plastic due to contact with packaging materials and industrial equipment. However, AESAN warns that the data available on microplastics in food are still insufficient to accurately determine their level of presence and their risks to health.

The scientific challenge and the health consequences

The study of microplastics in food faces significant methodological challenges. As Eljarrat points out, there is still no standardized technique to measure their presence in complex matrices such as food or human tissues. In addition, theMicroplastics vary in size, shape and composition, making their analysis complicated.Despite these limitations, the scientific community has found evidence that we ingest significant amounts of these particles, some of which may remain in our bodies.

Even more worrying is the chemical impact of additives present in plastics. A recent study published in Nature identified more than 4,200 chemical compounds used in the plastics industry as potentially harmful to human health. In addition to physical risks such as blockages, these substances may contribute to cardiovascular disease or even increase the risk of certain types of cancer.

Innovation and solutions to a global challenge

Despite the alarming outlook, there are already solutions in development to address this problem. Companies such as Captoplastic have designed technologies to capture and Removing microplastics from water using reusable agglomeration systemsThese innovations are not only effective, but also sustainable, aligning with circular economy and zero waste principles.

In addition, the use of alternative materials, such as edible or biodegradable packaging, is being explored to reduce dependence on plastic. Education and awareness also play a crucial role.: Understanding how plastic affects our health and the environment is the first step to driving changes in consumption and production policies.

The fight against microplastics requires a combination of technological advances, strict regulations and responsible consumption habits. Although the road is long, every step counts to ensure a future where food is as clean as it is healthy.

Rethinking consumption: a necessary change

Beyond technological solutions, it is essential to rethink our consumption model. Reducing the use of plastics in everyday life is not only a personal measure, but a clear message to industries to adopt more sustainable practices. Opt for products with reusable packaging, support companies that prioritize biodegradable materials and promote public policies Criminalizing plastic pollution is an essential step. Change must be structural and collective, because plastic pollution affects not only our health, but also the ecosystems that sustain life on the planet.