NETHERLAND: FINDING PLASTIC PARTICLES IN BEEF, PORK, AND MILK

Scientists at Vrije University Amsterdam, the Netherlands conducted research and discovered microplastics present in three-quarters of tested meat and dairy product samples. These samples of meat and milk are sourced from Dutch farms.

In addition, microplastics are also found in animal food particles. This suggests that microplastics may have entered the animal's body through food. Plastic packaged foods are currently the leading hypothesis for this new discovery.

Researchers from Vrije University Amsterdam reported that they found microplastics in human blood back in March 2022. This time, they again used the same methods to test products made of animals. Finally, they found microplastics exist in the blood and can move and reside in the organs of the animal's body.

Photo: Illustrated

In a press release, Maria Westerbos, Director of Plastic Soup Foundation (Netherlands' non-profit organization to prevent environmental pollution caused by plastic waste), said: "This research raises serious concern about food contamination with microplastics.”

In the immediate future, microplastics have not yet had an impact on the health of humans or livestock. Researchers have also found microplastics in the bodies of some wild animals.

Photo: Wild animals have also been affected by microplastics.

A large amount of plastic waste is released into the environment and microplastics have appeared and caused pollution in many areas of the world. Microplastics have been found on the top of Mount Everest and even in the deepest parts of the ocean. Humans have also unknowingly "consumed" microplastics through food and water.

Study author Dr. Heather Leslie of Vrije University Amsterdam said: 'What is found in blood samples will help us to know how we are infected with those things, for example air, water, food, etc."

Many experimental studies have been carried out to evaluate whether microplastics exist in animals and foods such as milk and meat.

In this study by Vrije University Amsterdam, scientists examined 12 samples of cow blood and 12 samples of pig blood being raised on the farm; 25 milk samples including supermarket canned milk, farm milk tanks, and directly expressed milk. As a result, they found microplastics consisting of polyethylene and polystyrene in all blood samples, and 18 out of 25 milk samples contained at least one type of microplastic. When testing beef and pork samples, the scientists found that 7/8 beef samples and 5/8 pork samples contained microplastics.

"It is not yet known whether these microplastics contain any potential toxicological risks," the report said.

Currently, scientists have not conducted tests on animals and animal meat samples raised in other countries. However, other reports also indicate that microplastics have appeared in dairy products on sale in Switzerland by 2021 and in milk from farms in France.

Dr. Heather Leslie said: 'Animals have the ability to 'absorb' at least one type of microplastic when they are exposed to this element in their habitat. This study will also serve as a platform for scientists to conduct further research into exposure levels and any risks associated with microplastics."

In addition, Dr. Leslie also said that controlling pet food sources could be a way to improve and limit pets' exposure to microplastics.

“Microplastics are found in feed products used in livestock, and it is not surprising that the majority of meat and dairy products tested contained microplastics,” said Maria Westerbos. Therefore, we urgently need to eliminate plastic in animal feed to protect the health of animals and people.”

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