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A new scientific study has revealed that cheese and milk sold in Italian supermarkets contain significant levels of microplastic contamination, raising pressing questions about the safety of everyday dairy products and the broader implications for public health.
Researchers analyzed 28 commercial dairy products—including ultra-high-temperature (UHT) milk, fresh cheeses, and ripened cheeses—purchased from major retailers in northern Italy. Using advanced spectroscopic techniques, they detected microplastics (MPs) in 26 out of 28 samples, with concentrations highest in ripened cheese (averaging 1,857 MP/kg), followed by fresh cheese (1,280 MP/kg), and milk (350 MP/kg).
The study identified twenty distinct types of plastic polymers in the samples. The most common were poly(ethylene terephthalate), polyethylene, and polypropylene, materials widely used in food packaging, processing equipment, and storage. Unexpected polymers such as polyacrylate and silicone, typically found in paints, adhesives, and gaskets, were also detected, suggesting contamination from diverse industrial sources.
Most of the microplastics found were tiny fragments smaller than 150 micrometers, with one-third measuring between 51–100 micrometers—dimensions small enough to potentially cross intestinal barriers. The majority (77%) of particles were irregular fragments, likely resulting from the abrasion of plastic equipment during processing, while fibers and beads made up the remainder.
Color analysis provided clues to the origins of the contamination: gray particles (68%) were linked to common plastics in gaskets and conveyor belts, while transparent, blue, and red fragments pointed to bottle-grade plastics and food-contact gloves.
The study highlights that the intensity of dairy processing and the duration of contact with plastic equipment and packaging directly influence microplastic concentrations. Ripened cheeses, which undergo longer aging and more extensive handling, were found to have the highest levels of contamination.
Researchers stress the urgency of auditing every stage of the dairy supply chain, replacing abrasion-prone polymers, improving clean-room standards, and developing biodegradable alternatives to reduce microplastic exposure. Until such measures are implemented, the responsibility for minimizing contamination falls on informed consumers, vigilant regulators, and proactive manufacturers.
“Results confirm widespread microplastic contamination in dairy products and highlight the importance of further research into contamination pathways and strategies to reduce microplastic exposure in the dairy chain.”
Disclaimer:
This article summarizes findings from a recent peer-reviewed study. While the presence of microplastics in food is a growing concern, the specific health impacts of ingesting microplastics through dairy products remain under investigation. Further research is needed to fully understand the risks and to inform regulatory standards.
