Fruits And Vegetables With The Highest Microplastic Content To Watch Out For

Fruits and vegetables (Photo: Freepik/KamranAymen)

JAKARTA - Microplastics are now found not only in the sea and air, but also in everyday food. Studies from the University of Catania in Italy revealed that some of the fruits and vegetables that are often consumed contain microplastic particles.

This research was conducted by the Catania University Environment and Food Hygiene Laboratory, in collaboration with Mohamed Banni of the Laboratoire de Biochimie et Toxicate Environmentalale in Sousse, Tunisia.

The study was published in the journal Environmental Research and was the first to measure microplastic concentrations in the portion that can be eaten from the most consumed fruits and vegetables.

This study found that fruits and vegetables contain microplastics with an average size of between 1.51 and 2.52 microns. Microplastic concentrations in fruit averaged 223 thousand particles per gram, while on vegetables about 97,800 particles per gram.

Here are some fruits and vegetables that are found to contain microplastics:

- Apples that have the highest number of microplastics among fruits with an average of 195,500 particles per gram.

- Pir contains about 189,500 particles per gram.

- Brokoli and carrots are among the most contaminated vegetables with an average of more than 100 thousand particles per gram.

-aflet vegetables such as lettuce are also contaminated with microplastics, although at a lower level compared to tubers such as carrots and broccoli.

When we bite the apples, we almost certainly also consume microplastics with them. To reduce plastic pollution, companies must reduce the use and plastic waste in their supply chains. Supermarkets are already using plastic too much. The sooner we reduce plastic footprint, the less microplastics we consume," said Sion Chan, a Greenpeace activist at the Hong Kong Office, East Asia, quoted from the Green Peace page.

Microplastics contain harmful chemicals such as pesticides and plasticizers attached to these particles. Microplastic consumption through food can have a negative impact on human health, including hormonal disorders and reproductive problems.

To reduce microplastic exposure, it is recommended to:

- Reduce the use of single-use plastic.

- Supporting policies that reduce the use of plastic in food packaging.

- Wash and peel fruits and vegetables before consumption.

- Consumption of organic products that are likely lower in microplastic contamination.

- Consciousness and joint action are essential to reduce the negative impact of microplastics on health and the environment.