Almost 80 percent of the meat and dairy products from farm animals tested by scientists contain microplastics, according to a new study by the Free University of Amsterdam. The possible cause could be the feed of cows and pigs.

All twelve samples of feed pellets and shredded feed examined were found to contain plastic. No contamination was found in the fresh food. The study was commissioned by the Plastic Soup Foundation, a non-profit environmental organisation that aims to reduce plastic pollution.

Furthermore, seven of the eight beef samples tested were found to contain plastic particles, while five of the eight pork samples contained at least one type of plastic. Plastic was also found in 18 of the 25 milk samples tested. ,,This is not only detrimental to animal welfare, but perhaps also to ourselves if almost every steak and burger contains small pieces of plastic," says Maria Westerbos, director of the Plastic Soup Foundation. "This study raises serious concerns about the contamination of our food chain with microplastics."

Zero tolerance

The European Pet Food Regulation 767/2009 prohibits the addition of 'packaging and parts of packaging derived from the use of products from the food industry'. According to the Plastic Soup Foundation, this regulation should be enforced. However, the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) applies a so-called Reference Point of Action; this means that when the contamination is below 0.15 percent, it is tolerated. The environmental organisation finds this worrying. Westerbos: "We are keen on compliance with the 'zero tolerance policy' at the European level."

Concern

Concerns about the proliferation of plastic in farm animal feed have grown in recent years. As recently as 2021, American farm worker Emmanuel Moore was fired after posting a TikTok video revealing how plastic waste contaminates pig feed.

Recently, several studies have appeared on the presence of microplastics in the human body. The particles of plastic enter our bodies when we drink from a plastic cup or bottle, but they are also found in our tap water. We also inhale the particles because they are found in fleece, polyester and nylon clothing. Researchers have even found microplastics in the new snow of Antarctica for the first time.

Plastic Soup Foundation has started a petition in response to the research. In it, they ask Minister Staghouwer of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality to assure consumers that there is no plastic in the Dutch food chain. They also ask the minister to indicate to what extent he gives priority to checks on the presence of plastic in cattle feed.

Food Cabinet investigates price increases in the food sector

Food Cabinet: "A global food crisis is currently looming, driven, among other things, by the war in Ukraine. One of the issues that is very topical at the moment is about price increases. From producers to retailers, raw material and fuel prices are pushing up the production costs of many foodstuffs. This affects the whole chain.

These price increases bring with them many questions and choices, both in production and in communication. As a communication agency in food, we would like to investigate how we can best assist our network in this respect. We hope to use this research to identify the biggest pain points and dilemmas. Therefore, we would like you to ask a number of questionsso that we can identify the major communication challenges in this area. It takes about 3 minutes to complete.

Based on the information from this survey, we will write a concise white paper with industry tips and communication recommendations. If you would like to receive that document, you can leave your e-mail address at the end of the list. We will of course handle all data with care. Completion is completely anonymous."

Food Cabinet is a campaign agency that works with clients on a food system with a future. They want to inspire people to make healthy, sustainable and fair food choices.