Microplastics Found In All Indian Salt And Sugar Brands, Reveals Study 

A recent study has found that every Indian brand of salt and sugar contains microplastics. These microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in diameter. They result from the breakdown of larger plastic debris or are produced intentionally for use in products. These particles are widespread in the environment, found in oceans, rivers, soil, and air.

Conducted by the environmental research organization Toxics Link, the study tested various salt and sugar samples from both online and local markets. The findings are alarming, with microplastics detected in all tested products.

The study analyzed ten types of salt, including table salt, rock salt, sea salt, and local raw salt, as well as five types of sugar. Microplastics were present in all samples, manifesting as fibers, pellets, films, and fragments. The sizes of these particles ranged from 0.1 mm to 5 mm. 

Salt samples showed microplastic concentrations between 6.71 and 89.15 pieces per kilogram. Iodized salt had the highest concentration at 89.15 pieces per kilogram, while organic rock salt had the lowest at 6.70 pieces per kilogram. Sugar samples contained between 11.85 and 68.25 pieces per kilogram, with non-organic sugar showing the highest levels.

The health implications of consuming microplastics are concerning. They can carry harmful chemicals, causing toxicity, inflammation, and disruption to the gut microbiome. Additionally, microplastics can accumulate in organs, potentially leading to chronic health issues. The study calls for urgent research into the long-term health effects of microplastics.