Washington: A new study has revealed the presence of fine plastic particles in alternative foods based on meat and plants, which are associated with cancer.
In the study, scientists studied 16 types of proteins, which revealed that whether humans obtain proteins through any means, plastic is becoming a part of their bodies. These foods included chicken nuggets, beef steak, fish fillet, and plant-based burgers.
Ninety percent of the studied items were found to contain microplastic particles, which scientists are concerned may accumulate in the human body and cause unknown health issues.
The study found the highest number of rubber particles in seared steak samples, while plant-based beef samples contained 40 and 25 rubber particles.
According to experts, these fine particles are associated with cancer, heart disease, dementia, and infertility.
Researchers believe that these foods are likely contaminated by tools and ingredients used during production, distribution, and packaging, or by airborne particles.
Executive Director of the Ocean Conservancy and co-author of the study, Dr. Bretta Miller, found it alarming that to what extent plastic contamination has spread, and it seems that one cannot escape it no matter what they eat.
He said that the crisis of plastic pollution is affecting us all, and we need to take steps to deal with its various forms.