Microplastics are infiltrating essential food items, posing a significant threat to human health. Two commonly used spices in Vietnamese cuisine are found to be contaminated with these tiny plastic particles.
Salt and sugar: Two spices laden with microplastics
A study tested ten commonly used salt varieties, including table salt, rock salt, sea salt, and local crude salt, as well as five samples of sugar purchased online and from local markets. All samples, except for two salt and one sugar sample, were branded. Of the ten salt samples tested, three were packaged iodized salt, three were rock salt (including two organic brands), two were sea salt, and two were local brands.
The tests revealed the presence of microplastics in all brands of salt and sugar, regardless of their size, packaging, or point of sale. These microplastics are small plastic particles smaller than 5mm in length.
Alarmingly, the study found higher concentrations of microplastics in iodized salt. These plastics often appeared as thin fibers and multicolored films.
Salt, being essential in most foods, plays a critical role in maintaining various ion levels in the human body and is also used as a preservative. Additionally, salt is utilized in diverse industries, including cosmetics, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals. The study detected varying levels of microplastic contamination (counted per kg of dry weight) across the salt samples, ranging from 6.71 to 89.15 pieces per kg of dry weight.
The highest concentration was found in iodized salt (89.15 pieces per kg dry weight), while the lowest was observed in organic rock salt (6.70 pieces per kg dry weight).
The different colors of microplastics also indicated their origins: black plastic is often associated with food packaging, while transparent plastic relates to single-use bags. Colors also provide insights into the aging process through light exposure. In the iodized salt samples, five colors were identified: white (38.53%), transparent (33.02%), blue (14.67%), red (8.25%), and black (5.5%).
The study also revealed varying levels of microplastic contamination across the sugar samples. Of the five tested, concentrations ranged from a high of 68.25 pieces/kg to a low of 11.85 pieces/kg.
Most microplastics fell within the size range of 0.1-0.3mm. Seven colors of microplastics, including transparent ones, were identified in the sugar samples.
Health Risks Associated with Microplastics
The study emphasizes: “This research is of utmost importance as microplastics are being detected in various parts of the human body, including the lungs, blood, and digestive system.” This has raised significant concerns about potential health hazards due to the toxic effects of these particles and their ability to induce inflammation and other health issues.
While the exact impact of these microplastics and associated chemicals on human health is not yet fully understood, their widespread presence underscores the urgent need for comprehensive research into their long-term effects. Emerging studies suggest that microplastics may increase the risk of oxidative stress in humans, leading to potential cell damage, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases.
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