A new examination of common protein sources shows that microplastics appear in nearly every category tested. Researchers found the particles in 88 percent of samples across 16 different products bought from stores in the Portland, Oregon, area and from local fishing boats. The contamination levels varied sharply depending on how much processing the food had undergone.
Processed Items Show Highest Counts
Breaded shrimp recorded the greatest average load at 370 microplastic particles per serving. Plant-based nuggets followed with 73 particles, while conventional chicken nuggets averaged 62. These figures stood well above those for minimally processed options such as plain chicken breast, which contained just two particles per serving on average.
The pattern pointed to processing steps as a key factor. Highly processed items consistently carried more particles per gram than their less-treated counterparts. Fresh-caught seafood still contained some microplastics, however, showing that contamination can begin before products reach any store shelf.
Brand and Store Choices Offer Little Relief
Researchers tested products from multiple brands and both conventional supermarkets and natural-food stores. They found no meaningful difference in microplastic levels tied to either factor. The same held true when comparing land-based proteins with those from the ocean…