Are the plastics used to protect our food actually becoming part of it? A groundbreaking study recently published in npj Science of Food casts new light on the migration of plastic particles from food contact articles (FCAs) — such as packaging, utensils, and processing equipment — into our food.

Researchers developed a systematic evidence map (SEM) to assess how widespread this issue is, compiling data from 103 peer-reviewed studies that documented over 600 instances of micro-, nano-, and mesoplastics (MNPs) migrating into food or simulants. The results? Over 96% of the entries detected plastic particles, with 75% involving single-use items like cups, containers, and especially tea bags.

Tea bags were among the most scrutinized items, particularly those made of plastic or sealed with plastic adhesives. High temperatures during brewing appear to exacerbate plastic shedding. Plastic cutting boards, bottle caps, and containers also release MNPs during routine use, such as slicing or unscrewing lids.

“The migration of plastic particles is not just a possibility — it's a documented reality,” the authors emphasize. “But the regulatory landscape has yet to catch up.”

The SEM highlighted a regulatory blind spot: while the European Commission’s Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 addresses chemical migration, it doesn’t explicitly cover plastic particles like microplastics. This regulatory gap could mean that significant plastic exposure is going unmonitored.

Interestingly, even non-plastic materials such as glass jars and metal cans weren’t exempt from scrutiny. Studies assumed these items contained MNPs due to plastic coatings or seals. This broadens the potential sources of ingestion, indicating that plastic shedding isn't exclusive to visibly plastic products.

Though the research identified 600 entries, only 50 were considered “highly reliable”. These studies linked MNPs directly to FCAs under real-world conditions like high temperatures or repeated use. Still, the vast majority of food packaging materials and polymers remain insufficiently studied, which poses challenges for cross-study comparisons and generalization.

Of particular concern is the inclusion of biodegradable plastics such as PLA, which some studies suggest may release even more MNPs than conventional plastics. While this could undermine the environmental credibility of compostable packaging, the authors stress the need for more rigorous research before drawing definitive conclusions.

Potential health impacts from MNP ingestion are still being evaluated. However, early research has linked high concentrations of MNPs to immune disruption, oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, and reproductive issues — mostly in rodent models. The translation of these effects to humans remains uncertain, but the precautionary principle suggests that minimizing exposure is prudent.

To improve transparency and public engagement, the researchers launched an open-access dashboard — FCMiNo — allowing users to explore all 600 documented entries based on food type, packaging material, and polymer type. This tool serves as both an educational resource and a research aid, enabling regulators, scientists, and consumers to assess risk areas and knowledge gaps.

The study's conclusions are clear:

• Plastic particles migrate into food under typical usage conditions.
• Current regulations do not adequately address this form of contamination.
• Standardized testing protocols and clear labeling of materials are urgently needed.

In an era of increasing consumption of ultra-processed and packaged foods, the presence of MNPs in everyday meals is an invisible but potentially significant health concern. The authors call for urgent updates to food safety regulations to include MNP migration as a critical testing criterion and recommend harmonized methodologies to ensure consistent, replicable results across the industry.

As plastic continues to play a dominant role in food packaging, understanding its unintended migration into our meals is vital. What’s protecting your food may also be altering it.