Microplastics risk identified in food freezing practices

Experts are warning about the risks associated with using plastic containers for freezing and storing food. When exposed to extreme temperature changes, such as moving between a freezer and a warmer environment, plastic can become brittle and release microplastics—particles smaller than five millimeters—into the food.

Scientific research indicates that microplastics can enter the human body and have already been detected in blood, lungs, the placenta, and breast milk. There is ongoing investigation into nanoplastics, which are even smaller and may be capable of crossing biological barriers within the organism. Frequent temperature fluctuations in plastic containers can accelerate the degradation process, increasing the potential for contamination.