تعهد نامه
نوع مقاله : مقالات مروری روایی و یکپارچه
عنوان مقاله English
نویسندگان English
Background and Objective: Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have emerged as a concealed yet significant challenge to food security. These particles can enter the human food chain through salt, drinking water, processed foods, agricultural products, and aquatic organisms. Beyond their physical presence, microplastics may act as carriers of hazardous contaminants, including heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, and pharmaceutical residues. Long-term exposure has been associated with potential adverse health outcomes such as metabolic disturbances, chronic inflammation, and hepatic and renal impairment.
Materials and Methods: This study was designed using an analytical and narrative review approach based on national and international scientific evidence. Data were collected from ISI-indexed publications and reports issued by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Pathways of microplastic entry into food products and their implications for human health were systematically examined.
Results: The findings indicate that salt, seafood, dairy products, and beverages represent major sources of dietary exposure to microplastics. Reported concentrations reach more than 13,000 particles per kilogram in salt and up to 585 microplastic particles per gram in powdered milk samples analyzed in Iran.
Conclusion: Based on these findings, key policy recommendations include stricter control and standardization of food packaging and processing equipment, establishment of national regulatory limits for microplastic contamination, continuous monitoring of the food supply chain, consumer education initiatives, and promotion of local and organic products. Implementation of these measures could substantially reduce human exposure, enhance public awareness, and strengthen food safety and population health protection.
Open Access Policy: This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. To view a copy of this licence, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
کلیدواژهها English