Microplastics detected in 41 milk sample tested in country: Study

A new scientific study has detected microplastic contamination in every sample of milk and dairy products tested in the country, raising fresh concerns over food safety and potential long-term health risks, particularly for children.

The study, conducted by researchers from the Department of Nutrition and Food Technology at Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST), found microscopic plastic particles in raw milk, packaged liquid and powdered milk, and a range of dairy products collected from across the country.

Funded by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under its 2023–24 research grant programme, the study is titled "Microplastic Contamination in Milk and Dairy Products in Bangladesh: Characterization, Dietary Exposure and Risk Assessment."

Researchers say it is the country's first comprehensive scientific assessment of microplastic contamination in milk and dairy products and its potential implications for human health.

All samples found contaminated

The researchers analysed 41 samples, including 17 raw milk samples, 12 branded liquid and powdered milk samples, and 12 dairy products collected from seven regions—Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Jashore, Jhenaidah and Meherpur—as well as supermarkets and retail outlets.

Using advanced microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, the team identified and characterised the plastic particles present in every sample tested.

Branded milk recorded the highest contamination

According to the findings, branded milk contained the highest concentration of microplastics, averaging 156.06 particles per 100 millilitres. Raw milk contained an average of 93.39 particles, while other dairy products averaged 70.80 particles per 100 millilitres.

Researchers said the higher contamination in processed milk is likely linked to multiple stages of production, including transportation, industrial processing, packaging and storage, where milk comes into contact with plastic equipment and materials.

They noted that contamination may originate not only from plastic packaging but also from production pipelines, filters, machinery, synthetic clothing worn by workers, plastic gloves and airborne plastic fibres inside processing facilities. However, the study did not quantify the contribution of each individual source.

Fibre-shaped particles dominated

The majority of detected microplastics were transparent, fibre-shaped particles measuring less than 250 micrometres.

Approximately 77.48% of the particles found in raw milk and 82.83% of those detected in branded milk were fibre-type microplastics, suggesting contamination from synthetic textiles, plastic packaging and industrial processing environments.

Multiple plastic polymers identified

The study detected several types of plastic polymers, including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE/Teflon), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Nylon-6, polyethylene (PE), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS).

Raw milk showed higher levels of PTFE and PET, while branded milk contained relatively higher amounts of PTFE, PDMS and PET. Dairy products were found to contain higher concentrations of PET, Nylon-6 and PPS.

Children face greater exposure

Researchers assessed dietary exposure based on age, body weight and milk consumption patterns and found that children aged between four and ten years are likely to receive the highest microplastic exposure relative to body weight because they consume more milk than adults.

Risk assessment raises concerns

The study evaluated contamination using pollution indices, pollution load and chemical hazard indicators.

Based on those assessments, raw milk was classified as high risk, branded milk as significant risk, and other dairy products as moderate risk.

Researchers clarified that these classifications do not indicate confirmed disease or toxicity but are scientific estimates of potential health risks associated with long-term exposure.

Growing global concern

International organisations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), have increasingly focused on microplastic contamination in food.

Recent international studies have also detected microplastics in human blood, lungs, placentas and other tissues, although scientists say further research is needed to fully understand their long-term health effects.

Researchers call for urgent action

The research team urged authorities to introduce stricter monitoring of microplastic contamination throughout Bangladesh's dairy industry.

They recommended reducing plastic use during production and processing, adopting advanced filtration technologies, using low-emission equipment, maintaining cleaner production environments, introducing mandatory microplastic testing, and establishing national standards and routine surveillance for food contamination.

Researchers said the findings could help shape future food safety policies, strengthen quality control systems and improve public health protection in Bangladesh.