Introduction to Microplastics in Cheese
It ain’t gouda news. A study out of Italy found that nearly all dairy products contain microplastics — and there are way more in cheese than in regular old milk. But not all cheese is created equal: Some varieties have more particles than others.
The Study Findings
Researchers at the University of Padua analyzed 28 dairy samples including milk and several cheeses and discovered microplastics in all but two of them. The most common kinds of microplastics were PET, polyethylene and polypropylene, which are often found in food packaging — but the authors note that that’s not the only way plastic might be seeping in.
In fact, it could be contaminating dairy well before it’s ever packaged up in cartons or wrappers. Some possible sources they suggest include feed, milking equipment or clothing at the farm level; clothing and protective gear in processing plants; and processing machinery, transportation and storage.
Types of Microplastics and Their Sources
The most common kinds of microplastics were PET, polyethylene and polypropylene, which are often found in food packaging — but the authors note that that’s not the only way plastic might be seeping in. Pcess609 – stock.adobe.com
And the type of dairy you choose can make a big difference in how many microplastics you’re ingesting. Milk was found to have just 350 particles per kilogram — way less than the over 1,000 particles per kilogram found in cheese.
Comparison of Microplastic Content in Different Cheeses
And fresh cheese is less contaminated than ripened cheese, with just 1,280 particles per kilogram compared to ripened’s 1,857 particles per kilogram. Fresh cheese is made from fresh curds that have not been pressed or aged. That includes varieties like mozzarella, ricotta, burrata, feta, mascarpone, cream cheese, cottage cheese, paneer and queso blanco. Ripened cheese, meanwhile, is aged or matured. Examples include cheddar, Gouda, Gruyere, Camembert, Parmesan and blue cheese like Gorgonzola.
Health Implications of Microplastic Consumption
But why should you care if you’re eating microplastics? Research on the subject is still early, but studies have linked microplastics in the body to a host of health issues. They’ve been found to interfere with blood sugar levels, damage the liver, adversely impact mental health, trigger chronic inflammation, damage cells, disrupt hormones and even mess with the bacteria in our guts. Exposure has been linked to such troubling issues as cancer, infertility, heart disease and lung conditions.
Reducing Microplastic Intake
If you want to reduce your intake, experts suggest ditching plastic water bottles, boil and filter your tap water, get rid of plastic cutting boards and stop microwaving leftovers in plastic containers.
Conclusion
The presence of microplastics in cheese is a concerning issue, with potential health implications for consumers. By understanding the sources and types of microplastics, as well as the differences in microplastic content between various cheeses, individuals can make informed choices to minimize their exposure. Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of microplastic consumption on human health.
FAQs
Q: What are microplastics and how do they get into cheese?
A: Microplastics are small plastic particles that can come from various sources, including food packaging, farm equipment, and processing machinery. They can contaminate dairy products, including cheese, through these sources.
Q: Which types of cheese have the most microplastics?
A: Ripened cheese tends to have more microplastics than fresh cheese, with examples of ripened cheese including cheddar, Gouda, and blue cheese.
Q: How can I reduce my intake of microplastics?
A: Experts suggest avoiding plastic water bottles, boiling and filtering tap water, getting rid of plastic cutting boards, and stopping the practice of microwaving leftovers in plastic containers.
