EFSA report confirms microplastics release from food contact materials
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recently released a comprehensive literature review examining the potential release of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) from food contact materials (FCMs) during their intended use.
The EFSA report, available in the EFSA Journal, analyzes studies published between January 2015 and January 2025 and concludes that microplastics can indeed be released from FCMs during normal usage. Key mechanisms identified for this release include mechanical stress—such as abrasion and cutting—as well as fiber shedding from materials like tea bags. The authors note that aging materials and the structural characteristics of FCMs can exacerbate these issues.
Despite its findings, the report highlights significant methodological shortcomings and data gaps in existing research. The authors caution that many studies may overestimate MNP release due to contamination from external sources like air and food handling, or due to misidentification of materials that superficially resemble plastics. Consequently, the report concludes that there is currently insufficient evidence to accurately estimate exposure levels to MNPs from FCMs.
To compile the report, EFSA researchers reviewed 1,711 publications, ultimately including 122 in their findings. However, only 81 of these studies underwent rigorous data extraction, while others were summarized narratively.
The EFSA report also evaluates different types of polymers used in FCMs, testing conditions, and the analytical methods employed in the studies reviewed. It identifies gaps in the data and offers recommendations for future research. However, EFSA’s eligibility criteria for study inclusion are described only vaguely, complicating direct comparisons with similar studies. Notably, the EFSA report did not undergo peer review.
This report aligns with earlier findings from the Food Packaging Forum (FPF), published in June 2025. This study systematically mapped evidence related to food contact articles as a source of MNPs. This research, which analyzed data from 103 studies, found that the normal use of food packaging could significantly contaminate food with microplastics. It also emphasizes the need for specific experimental designs, such as kinetic studies that monitor MNP release over time and under varying conditions, to establish clear causal links between FCMs and MNP contamination.
As concerns about plastic pollution continue to rise, the insights from both the EFSA and FPF underscore the necessity for comprehensive research and regulatory action to protect public health and safety.
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