Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has discovered there are more likely pathways for plastic to get into daily food consumption.
A recent study has found micro and nano plastic pollution increasingly affects Australian agricultural systems and the food supply.
According to the CSIRO, plastic waste has become a significant contaminant as every Australian discards an average of 100kg of plastic waste each year.
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Previous studies have proven plastic travels into waterways and is ingested by the fish humans consume. However, there are other routes plastic can access the food supply chain.
“One major route is contamination from the machinery, equipment and plastic wrapping used to handle, process and package food. Fresh food can start off plastic free but contain plastics by the time it’s been handled, packaged and makes its way to us,” the research said.
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The finding has shown that more than 10,000 additives contribute to the desirable properties of plastic, including flexibility and UV radiation resistance.
There is also a risk of these chemicals leaching into the environment and contaminating daily food.
The most tangible way for people to help reduce micro and nano plastic waste from cycling through the environment is to use non-plastic cutting boards such as wood, bamboo or stone.
“Avoid plastics where possible in the kitchen for food storage, especially for hot food. Single-use plastics, in particular, shed a lot of particles in their first use,” the research said.
“It’s best not to reheat food in plastic in the microwave, especially in takeaway food containers.”
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