The top 3 protein-based foods with the most microplastics regardless of brand or store: study

It’s not just takeout containers and teabags.Microplastics have infiltrated nearly every corner of our lives, including our diets, with Americans estimated to consume thousands of these pesky particles each year.But some everyday staples are worse offenders than others.Scientists have identified the three top protein sources with the highest levels of microplastic contamination — and found that switching brands or grocery stores may not do much to lower the number that ends up on your plate.In the study, researchers at the University of Toronto and Ocean Conservatory examined 16 types of commonly consumed protein products, including seafood, poultry, beef, pork and plant-based alternatives.The samples were purchased from two conventional supermarkets and one grocery store specializing primarily in natural and organic products in the Portland, Oregon, area.Researchers also bought fresh-caught seafood directly from fishing boats.In a lab, they used chemical solutions to break down the food itself, leaving only plastic particles behind.

They then filtered the remaining material and examined it under microscopes.The researchers found that 88% of the 111 food samples they tested contained microplastics, with at least one contaminated sample found among each of the 16 protein types.“There’s no escaping them no matter what you eat, it seems,” Dr.Britta Baechler, a marine biologist and co-author of the study, said in a press release.Breaded shrimp topped the list of most contaminated products, containing an average of 370 microplastic particles per serving.Plant-based nuggets came in second, averaging 73 particles, followed by conventional chicken nuggets at 62 particles for a typical helping.

Pollock fish sticks and plant-based fish sticks rounded out the top five, containing averages of 58 and 46 particles per serving, respectively.At the other end of the spectrum, chicken breast had the lowest amount, averaging just two particles per serving.Pork loin chops ...