Food contact articles as source of micro- and nanoplastics: a systematic evidence map

• Published in: NPJ science of food Vol. 9; no. 1; pp. 111 - 10
• Main Authors: Zimmermann, Lisa, Geueke, Birgit, Parkinson, Lindsey V., Schür, Christoph, Wagner, Martin, Muncke, Jane
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 25.06.2025; Nature Publishing Group; Nature Portfolio
• Subjects: 4014/4045; 631/45; 639/638; 692/499; 706/703; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Chemistry/Food Science; Content analysis; Design of experiments; Digital Object Identifier; Experimental design; Food; Food contamination; Food Microbiology; Food Science; Food sources; Identification methods; Methods; Morphology; Nutrition; Plastic pollution; Polymers; Software
• ISSN: 2396-8370; 2396-8370
• DOI: 10.1038/s41538-025-00470-3

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in foodstuffs lead to widespread human exposure and are often linked to environmental contamination. However, the role of plastics in food contact articles (FCAs) has received less attention, despite being a known source. Thus, we compiled a systematic evidence map of MNPs present in foodstuffs in contact with all types of plastic FCAs. We extracted data on experimental design, FCAs, MNPs, and food or food simulants and critically appraised the general data quality, material identification methods, polymer type reporting, and study design. We included 103 eligible studies and created 600 database entries accessible in an interactive dashboard. Seven studies were appraised as highly reliable. We conclude that the normal/intended use of FCAs can lead to the migration of MNPs. Further research is needed to systematically characterize MNP migration related to materials and use. To better protect human health, regulations could mandate MNP migration testing for FCAs.