Contaminants

Microplastics in Milk

Microplastics

Microplastics in the Food Chain: Is Milk Exempt from Contamination?

Scientists from the Mexican Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) collected and tested 23 milk samples from eight brands, international and national, to detect microplastics.

While milk undergoes testing for allergens and pathogens, the impact of microplastics throughout its production chain remains largely unexplored.

Study Details

  • Findings indicate significant contamination in branded milk, a byproduct of industrial processes.
  • Secondary microplastics release poses a substantial plastic waste source in branded milk.

Reports from the European Commission’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed and the European Food Safety Authority highlight microplastics in various food products.

Actionable Measures

Qualitative or quantitative analysis of microplastics is challenging due to the diverse range of plastic types. Currently, no officially recognized methods exist.

Leveraging Mérieux NutriSciences laboratories’ extensive experience, specific methods have been developed and validated for diverse matrices including detergents, cosmetics, drinking water, milk, beverages, mineral salts, fish products, and environmental samples.