Click to know how microplastics can be detected in everyday food items using ‘these’ methods at home

Microplastics—tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters—are increasingly being detected in everyday food products, such as Indian salt and sugar. Despite their minute size, which makes them invisible to the naked eye, there are several home methods to test for their presence in your food.

Recent research has brought to light the alarming presence of microplastics in common food items, raising concerns about potential long-term health effects. Dr. Narendra Singhla, Lead Consultant – Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, suggests that for those worried about health risks, professional testing and medical consultation are recommended for a more accurate diagnosis.

One simple home method for detecting microplastics involves a density test. To conduct this test:

– Fill a clear glass about a quarter full with a dense liquid like vegetable oil, corn syrup, or honey.

– Add a small sample of your food item, such as salt or sugar.

– Stir the mixture and observe any unusual behavior of the particles.

Microplastics might float to the surface, form layers, or clump together. If the mixture appears consistent without any strange behavior, it could mean there are no microplastics present. However, Dr. Singhla warns that this method may not catch all microplastics or could be affected by other particles in the food.

Another practical method is using coffee filters or filters rated at 0.1 microns. Here’s how:

– Pour the liquid through the filter and check the residue left behind.

– Look for tiny, undissolved particles or those that seem out of place.

This technique is useful for testing liquids such as water or beverages, but may not work well for solid foods.

For granular items like salt or sugar, a quick shake test can be performed:

– Shake the container and pour some contents onto a dark surface.

– Examine closely for any unusual particles that differ from the rest.

These particles could potentially be microplastics.

Although these home techniques provide a preliminary indication, Dr. Singhla emphasizes that they are not entirely reliable. For precise detection of microplastics, it is advisable to send food samples to a laboratory for comprehensive analysis. This will offer a clearer picture of microplastic contamination and its possible health impacts.