A comprehensive literature review conducted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Food Contact Materials Working Group has shed light on the release of micro- and nanoplastics from food contact materials (FCMs), revealing both evidence of particle transfer and significant gaps in current research methodologies.

The review analyzed more than 100 studies published between 2015 and January 2025. While most studies focused on microplastics, data on nanoplastics were scarce. The majority of research used water or aqueous simulants to test particle release, with mineral water being the most frequently studied matrix. Real food matrices were rarely examined. Overall, there is no sufficient basis to estimate micro- and nanoplastics exposure from FCM during their uses.

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Despite the volume of research, the review highlights widespread methodological shortcomings throughout the studies. These include inconsistent sample preparation, unreliable analytical techniques, and a lack of validated protocols for nanoparticle detection. For example, electron microscopy—commonly used to observe nanoplastics—can produce misleading results due to artefacts formed during sample drying.

Studies on packaged foods were largely limited to bottled water, and few traced micro- and nanoplastics contamination across the full food production chain. Mass-based measurements of particle release were rare, and size reporting often lacked dimensional information, complicating exposure assessments.

The review concludes, that while there is clear evidence of microplastic release from FCMs, the actual quantities are likely lower than many studies suggest. Nanoplastics data remain insufficient, and current evidence does not support reliable exposure estimates.

Apparently there are a lot of people doing microplastics studies wrong, because it’s easier? It seems inefficient. Why all the me-too studies?