How much microplastic are we consuming from oil, milk and sugar?

Growing concern over microplastic contamination in everyday food items has intensified after recent studies detected tiny plastic particles in products such as milk, sugar and soybean oil. Following earlier discussions about microplastics in toothpaste, researchers now warn that people may be unknowingly ingesting these particles through their daily diet.

However, scientists say research is still ongoing to determine the long-term health effects of microplastic exposure.

According to researchers, soybean oil alone may expose an average adult to around 17.65 microplastic particles per day, or approximately 6,441 particles annually. The estimated exposure is even higher for children, who may ingest 77.21 particles daily, equivalent to nearly 28,180 particles each year.

A joint study conducted by Jahangirnagar University and Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) analyzed 60 soybean oil samples collected from supermarkets and open markets in Dhaka's Tejgaon, Uttara and Cantonment areas.

The findings showed that loose soybean oil contained an average of 45,000 to 70,000 microplastic particles per litre, while bottled soybean oil contained 44,000 to 54,000 particles per litre.

Researchers believe industrial pollution, plastic containers and storage practices are among the key sources of contamination.

Milk has also been found to contain microplastics. A study led by Professor Md Omar Faruk of the Department of Nutrition and Food Technology at Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) found an average of 156.06 microplastic particles per 10 millilitres of processed milk and 93.39 particles in the same amount of raw milk.

The study suggests contamination may occur during milk collection, transportation through plastic or aluminium pipelines, industrial processing, and plastic packaging.
Similar contamination has been reported in sugar.

A study published in an international journal examined both packaged and loose sugar collected from markets in Dhaka. Researchers found an average of 322 microplastic particles per kilogram in branded sugar and 403 particles per kilogram in loose sugar. Plastic sacks, transportation, storage and processing are believed to be the main sources of contamination.

Microplastics are plastic particles measuring between 1 nanometre and 5 millimetres. Most originate from the breakdown of plastic bottles, packaging materials, synthetic textiles, vehicle tyres and other plastic products. These particles eventually enter the food chain through air, soil and water.

Experts say the health impacts of microplastics are not yet fully understood. However, particles smaller than 130 micrometres may enter the bloodstream, potentially contributing to inflammation, hormonal disruption, digestive problems and long-term cellular damage. Scientists caution that no internationally accepted safe exposure limit has yet been established.

Researchers attribute the growing presence of microplastics in food largely to excessive plastic use and poor waste management. In Bangladesh, large volumes of plastic waste are generated every day, much of which eventually breaks down into microscopic particles that contaminate the environment and food supply.

To reduce exposure, experts recommend limiting unnecessary plastic use, avoiding plastic containers for food storage whenever possible, and promoting environmentally friendly packaging.

They also stress the need for broader scientific research to better understand the health risks.

The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) said the detection of microplastics in a product does not automatically mean it is unsafe for consumption.

The agency said any regulatory action would depend on comprehensive scientific testing and verification.