Microplastics (<5 mm) enter the food chain through packaging, processing, and environmental exposure, posing potential risks to food safety. However, accurately quantifying microplastics in food remains challenging due to limitations in detection methodologies and inconsistencies in analytical techniques. Despite growing research interest, the lack of standardised approaches hinders efforts to assess dietary exposure. This presentation outlines research addressing these gaps, including evaluating the utility of pyrolysis-GC-MS for measuring microplastic contamination in an Australian food basket and estimating dietary exposure. Additionally, it examines microplastic contamination in carbonated beverages and tap water, providing insight into potential exposure pathways for the Australian population.
Please note this is a HDR progress review for student Coral Jeffries.