Plastic Food Containers Release Microplastics, Study Warns

By Adebowale Bello. B.Tech Microbiology, Freelance Health Writer. Medically reviewed by the DLHA team.

Varieties of plastic food containers.  Click on image to enlarge.

Have you ever sipped water slowly from the bottle, repeatedly closing and opening it after every gulp? Or probably you've stored your stew in a plastic container or dipped a tea bag in boiling water? Chances are you have. Plastic packaging and containers are part of everyday life across Africa, from storing leftovers to buying water and even serving meals in eateries.

But have you ever paused to wonder if plastic packaging might be doing more harm than good? Scientists are now raising concerns that tiny particles from these plastics could be ending up in your food and eventually, in your body. A recent scientific study has taken a closer look at this issue and what it means for people around the world, including here in Africa.

About the Study

This study looked at over 100 research papers from different parts of the world. The researchers wanted to know if plastic items that come in contact with food such as bottles, containers, cups, tea bags and packaging materials are releasing microplastics and nanoplastics (also called MNPs) into our food.

Microplastics are very small pieces of plastic, sometimes visible to the eye, while nanoplastics are even smaller, and are invisible to the naked eye. Both can be harmful when they get into the human body, especially over time.

To carry out the study, the researchers collected and analysed results from 103 reliable studies and recorded over 600 pieces of data about how much plastic gets into food during regular use. The goal was not only to see if plastics release MNPs but also to know under what conditions this happens and how serious the problem really is.

What the Study Found

The study found clear evidence that plastics were present in foodstuffs and beverages, including table salts, take-out foods, rice, beer and soft drinks. Micro- and nanoplastics are also present in food containers and packaging and can be released into food even when used normally. That means just pouring hot water into a plastic cup or reheating food in a plastic container can lead to the release of plastic particles.

Some key findings from the study include:

• Everyday use releases plastics: Items like tea bags, infant feeding bottles, water bottles and food wrappers can release plastic particles when exposed to heat, pressure or repeated use.

• Repeated use increases risk: The more you reuse plastic containers such as washing and reusing plastic bottles, the more likely they are to shed microplastics into your drinks and food. The more you open and close a container with a plastic covering, the more plastic particles are released into the product.

• Hot food and drinks are more at risk: Heating plastics or putting hot liquids inside them can cause more plastic particles to break off and enter the food or drink.

• Not all plastics are equal: Some plastics shed more than others. Interestingly, some "biodegradable" plastics, like polylactic acid used in tea bags, were also found to release microplastics.

• Only a few studies were highly reliable: Out of over 100 studies reviewed, only about seven were considered highly reliable. This shows the need for better research and testing methods in this area.

What This Study Means for Africans

Plastic is everywhere in many African countries. It’s cheap, easy to find and used in almost every household. From plastic plates and cups to polythene bags sold in markets, these items are part of daily life. But this study reminds us that there could be a hidden health risk we often overlook.

Here’s why it matters to Africans:

• Most people reuse plastics: In many homes, plastic bottles and containers are reused several times. But repeated use, especially when combined with washing or heat, increases the chances of plastic particles leaching into food and drink.

• Plastic and heat are a bad combination: From pouring hot water into sachets to heating food in plastic takeaway containers, these common habits may be exposing us to more microplastics than we think.

• Processed foods contain more micro- and nanoplastics because of the longer contact time with food processing equipment and the higher number of food processing steps. 

• No easy way to detect the problem: Microplastics and nanoplastics can’t be seen with the naked eye, so we may be consuming them without even knowing it.

• Health systems may be unprepared: While the health effects of MNPs are still being studied, early evidence suggests they may be linked to inflammation, hormone disruption and even long-term health problems. For communities with limited access to healthcare, prevention is always better than cure.

What Can You Do to be Safe?

While it may not be possible to completely avoid plastics, there are practical steps you can take to reduce your exposure:

• Avoid heating food in plastic containers. Use ceramic, glass or stainless steel containers instead.

• Do not reuse single-use plastic bottles or containers, especially for hot liquids.

• Use alternatives when available. Cloth bags, stainless steel cups or glass bottles may cost more but they’re safer in the long run.

• Be cautious with tea bags. Some tea bags are made with plastic or sealed with plastic glue. Look for paper-based or loose-leaf options when possible.

• Spread the word. Many people are unaware of this risk. Sharing this information with your family and community can go a long way.

Wrap Up

Plastic has made life more convenient but at a hidden cost. This new study shows that even everyday use of plastic containers and packaging can lead to the release of tiny plastic particles into our food. While scientists are still trying to understand how harmful this is to human health, it’s wise to take precautions now.

In Africa, where plastic is used widely and often reused out of necessity, awareness is the first step. By understanding the risks and making small changes, you can begin to protect ourselves and your family from these dangers.

Source: Zimmermann L, Geueke B, Parkinson LV. et al. Food contact articles as source of micro- and nanoplastics: a systematic evidence map. npj Sci Food. 2025;9,111. doi: 10.1038/s41538-025-00470-3. Available from here

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Published: August 18, 2025

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