Research: pigs and cows have microplastics in their bodies
This is a small-scale study by VU Amsterdam, commissioned by the Plastic Soup Foundation. Twelve cows and twelve pigs were examined. The principal next of the researchers ‘shocking’.
contaminated feed
At least one type of plastic was also expressed in the meat of seven of the eight beef samples examined. Just like five of the eight pieces of pork that the researchers analyzed. 18 of 25 milk samples examined also contain microplastics.
The problems pose as a possible cause. There were no plastic particles in the fresh feed they examined, but there were in twelve samples of feed pellets and shredded animal feed.
“This study leads to a total yield on the contamination of our food chain with microplastics,” says Maria Westerbos, director of the Plastic Soup Foundation. According to her, farmers are not responsible for the pollution. She says that leftovers from the food industry may be ‘processed into animal feed, plastic and all’. The foundation suspects that “virtually every steak and hamburger” contains small pieces of plastic.
‘A first indication’
It is the proceeds that the foundation draws. The researchers themselves call the results ‘an initial indication that plastic particles are present in detectable concentrations in modern animal feed, the animals that eat it and in farm products’.
The research also indicates that there may be no particles in the food. The researchers at the VU say that a study into this is desirable. The Plastic Soup Foundation believes that the government should ensure that all food is plastic-free. the foundation has therefore started a petition. The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority should also be created.