Microplastics in dairy products : this is what a new study reveals, and it leaves no room for interpretation. The environmental impact of these microparticles has long been debated , and in some cases, their presence has even been implicated in specific foods. Now, a research team from the University of Padua has discovered that even milk and cheese are not immune to this invisible danger.
The Research
The analysis is the result of a study conducted by the University of Padua and published in NPJ Science of Food. The tests were conducted in a class 7 clean room to avoid any external contamination: 10 fresh cheeses (aged less than a month), 14 aged cheeses (over four months), and packaged milk were analyzed. The result was clear and also a little disconcerting: 26 out of 28 samples showed traces of microplastics.
Among those identified, fragments of PET, polyethylene, and polypropylene —materials commonly used for packaging—with dimensions smaller than 150 micrometers predominate. To go into more detail, approximately 350 microparticles per kilogram were found in milk samples, over 1,200 MP/kg in fresh cheeses, while in aged cheeses they reached almost 1,900 MP/kg.
What Are Microplastics and How Do They End Up in Cheese?
These are tiny particles (between 1 and 5 mm) produced both by the degradation of plastic products and by the industries themselves. The problem affects the entire ecosystem: these microplastics end up in seas, rivers, lakes, and oceans, are ingested by aquatic animals that we then eat, and thus enter our food chain.
But how do they end up in cheese? The most widely accepted hypothesis is that these microplastics arise directly from the manufacturing process. Indeed, all the various stages —pressing, cutting, handling, and packaging—can contribute to the release of these small particles. This isn't a problem, as one might think, that only concerns the external packaging; contamination can occur even before packaging. Surfaces, seals, equipment, used plastic films, and even the air itself can all contribute to the release of these elements.
Should We Worry?
As we've stated on other occasions, while the environmental damage caused by these microplastics is well known, there's still insufficient data to understand how these particles impact our health. Again, the research team hasn't expressed any opinions regarding any risks to our bodies. This is certainly a topic that requires further study and investigation, but in the meantime, it's important to know which foods contain these substances and how to handle them.
;Resize,width=767;)
