Today, we’re diving into a topic raising concerns in the food world—microplastics. They’re tiny, they’re everywhere, and they’re making their way into our diets. So, let’s break it down into three essential things you need to know about microplastics.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, usually less than five millimeters in size. They come from various sources, including broken-down plastic waste, synthetic fibers from clothing, and even microbeads once used in personal care products.

Over time, plastics degrade due to sunlight, heat, and mechanical stress, breaking down into smaller and smaller particles. And here’s the kicker: once they’re in the environment, they don’t just disappear. They accumulate.

2. How Are Microplastics Getting Into Our Food?

Microplastics have infiltrated the food chain in ways we might not even realize. Studies have found them in seafood, bottled water, salt, honey, beer, and fresh produce.

Fish and shellfish ingest microplastics in the ocean, and when we eat them whole—like oysters or sardines—we’re also consuming those particles. But it doesn’t stop at seafood. Plastics in soil and water affect crops; even our packaging can shed microplastics into food. In short, we’re likely consuming plastic in small doses every day.

3. What Does This Mean for Our Health?

Now, this is where things get a bit murky. While research is ongoing, early studies suggest that microplastics could carry harmful chemicals, disrupt hormones, and even cause inflammation when they accumulate.

Scientists are concerned about long-term exposure, and while the exact risks aren’t entirely known, minimizing our intake of microplastics seems like a wise precaution.

What Can We Do About It?

As consumers and culinary professionals, we can take a few steps to reduce our exposure:

• Filter your water – Many microplastics are found in tap and bottled water so that a high-quality filter can help.

• Reduce plastic packaging – Opt for glass, stainless steel, or natural materials for food storage.

• Eat fresh, unprocessed foods – Packaged foods often contain microplastics from processing and packaging.

• Support sustainable practices – Reduce single-use plastics and support brands actively working to minimize plastic pollution.

More podcasts and videos from Chef Walter