Food for Thought: The Hidden Perils of Plastic in Our Daily Meals

So, where are these plastics coming from and why are they in our food? In short, these plastics are everywhere because of their versatility and durability have made it a go-to material for food packaging. From water bottles to takeout containers, the convenience of plastic is undeniable. However, this convenience comes with a downside, as microplastics from packaging can find their way into the very food we consume, posing potential health risks.

Beyond packaging, the processing of food also introduces plastics into our meals. Utensils, machinery, and even conveyor belts in the food industry can contribute to the presence of microplastics in the final product. In a recent study, by CBS News, General Mills was found guilty of incorporating plastics into some of their food products. Even their Annie’s Organic Cheesy Ravioli is tainted with phthalates; among other products, such as, Del Monte sliced peaches and Chicken of the Sea pink salmon.

Consuming something so small can tend to be an out of sight, out of mind situation, but research suggests that the ingestion of microplastics may have adverse health effects, including potential impacts on the endocrine system and inflammatory responses, even high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, according to Mayo Clinic. The long-term consequences of regular exposure to these microscopic particles remain a topic of ongoing investigation, prompting calls for increased awareness and scrutiny.

Plastics not only affect our health but also pose significant environmental challenges. According to Earth Day there are 24 trillion pieces of microplastic in the ocean. Single-use plastics are a big culprit to pollution as they harm ecosystems and marine life. The ocean life unintentionally consumes these plastics which continues the contamination cycle as they pollutants find their way back into our food chain creating a concerning loop of environmental and human impact.