- A study revealed that ripened cheeses contain an average of 1,857 microplastic particles per kilogram, which is 45 times higher than the levels found in bottled water. Fresh cheeses and milk also showed significant contamination, with 1,280 and 350 particles per kilogram, respectively.
- Microplastics, defined as plastic particles 5mm or smaller, were found to be prevalent in cheese. The study identified common types such as PET, polyethylene and polypropylene.
- The transformation of milk into cheese, which involves removing liquid whey and concentrating the curds, is believed to concentrate the microplastics present in milk.
- The long-term health effects of microplastics on humans are unclear, but early studies suggest they could be toxic or carcinogenic. In rodent studies, high levels of microplastics have been shown to damage organs such as the intestines, lungs, liver and reproductive system. There is also a potential link between microplastic exposure and conditions like cardiovascular disease and bowel cancer.
- The study emphasizes the need for continued research to understand the full extent of microplastic contamination in the food supply. The dairy industry and regulatory bodies are urged to address this issue to ensure food safety and minimize potential health risks for consumers.
Cheese, from the sharp tang of mature cheddar to the creamy crumble of feta, has long been a cherished food worldwide. However, a recent study has cast a shadow over this dairy delight, revealing that cheese is "ripe in microplastics," according to researchers.
The study, a joint effort by University College Dublin and Italy's University of Padova, analyzed 28 samples of various dairy products. The results were startling: Ripened cheeses aged for more than four months contained an average of 1,857 microplastic particles per kilogram. This is a staggering 45 times more than the levels found in bottled water, which has been a previous focus of microplastic research.
Fresh cheeses were not exempt from contamination, with 1,280 particles per kilogram. Even milk, the foundational ingredient, contained 350 microplastic pieces per kilogram. "These findings are unprecedented," said Dr. Emily O'Connor, one of the lead researchers. "We were gobsmacked by the high levels of microplastics in cheese."
Microplastics, defined as tiny plastic particles measuring five millimeters or smaller, have become ubiquitous in the environment and food supply chains. They have been found in everything from bottled beer and chewing gum to teabags and now, alarmingly, in cheese. The most common types of microplastics identified in the study were fibers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene and polypropylene. (Related: Plastic food packaging poisons your meals with microplastics, study warns.)
The researchers suggest that the high levels of microplastics in cheese are likely due to the production process. When milk is transformed into cheese, the liquid whey is removed, leaving behind the solid curds. This process concentrates the microplastics present in the milk, resulting in higher particle counts in the final product.
The study points to synthetic textiles as a likely source of fiber contamination. These fibers could be introduced through filtration systems, protective clothing worn by workers or airborne fibers in the production environment. Larger, irregular plastic fragments found in the cheese are likely the result of the breakdown of plastic packaging, processing equipment or machine components.
The presence of microplastics in milk even before it is processed into cheese suggests that contamination may occur earlier in the production chain. Previous studies have found that raw milk samples contain an average of 190 microplastic particles per liter. This raises concerns about the feed given to dairy animals, as microplastics can pass through cell membranes and enter the milk.
Microplastics in dairy: Unraveling the health risks
The long-term effects of microplastics on human health remain unclear, but early studies are concerning. Plastics contain chemicals known to be toxic or carcinogenic, and there is growing evidence that microplastics could damage tissues in the body. In rodent studies, exposure to high levels of microplastics has been shown to harm organs such as the intestines, lungs, liver and reproductive system.
In humans, there is a potential link between microplastic exposure and conditions such as cardiovascular disease and bowel cancer. "The presence of microplastics in our food is a cause for concern," said O'Connor.
The researchers emphasize the need for continued study to understand the full extent of microplastic contamination in the food supply.
"Given the complexity of the dairy sector and the extensive use of plastic materials along the entire production chain, understanding the pathways through which microplastics enter dairy products is crucial for ensuring food safety and assessing potential health risks," the study concluded.
While the immediate health impacts remain uncertain, the study's findings underscore the need for vigilance and further research. Cheese lovers may need to reconsider their consumption habits until more is known about the risks posed by microplastics. In the meantime, the dairy industry and regulatory bodies must work together to address this issue, ensuring that the food people consume is safe and free from harmful contaminants.
Watch the video below that talks about the health risks of microplastics.
This video is from the Bible News Prophecy channel on Brighteon.com.
More related stories:
Toxicologist reveals four simple ways to slash microplastics in your drinking water.
Kennedy targets toxic microplastics as health threat under "Make America Healthy Again" agenda.
Sources include:
Please contact us for more information.
