Tea bags under scrutiny: Hidden microplastics found in every sip
Many people have already stopped cooking rice in bags, but until now, few have suspected that tea bags might also contain microplastics that can enter the body. These unassuming packages release billions of pollutant particles per 0.03 fluid ounces of tea. According to the Polish Press Agency, scientists from Barcelona have reported these findings.
Researchers from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona examined various products available in stores. They found that tea leaves were typically packed in bags made of nylon, cellulose, and polypropylene. Each of these materials contains micro- and nanoplastics, which intestinal cells absorb in large quantities.
Food contamination with microplastics
The continuous growth in food production, ease of transport, and fast pace of life lead producers and consumers to choose easy and convenient packaging to store and use. However, it's important to be aware that packaging in contact with food significantly affects its condition and quality. Notably, under high temperatures, microplastic particles can penetrate the food.
Microplastic in tea bags
Standard tea bags contain very large amounts of microplastic particles, counted in the billions. Bags made of polypropylene release the most harmful substances — about 1.2 billion particles per 0.03 fluid ounces of tea. In cellulose packaging, there are far fewer microplastic particles: 135 million, and in nylon, about 8 million particles. The researchers not only examined the quantity of micro- and nanoplastics but also looked at how these substances interact with intestinal cells.
How was the study conducted? Researchers from Barcelona dyed the microplastic particles and exposed them to different types of intestinal cells. They discovered that mucus-producing cells absorbed the highest level of microplastic particles. Remarkably, the pollutants even penetrated the cell nuclei.
Most tea bag products in supermarkets contain microplastics, but the market also offers bags made of cotton or paper, which are not contaminated. However, even with paper or cotton bags, caution should be exercised.
Pay attention to any additional substances, dyes, bleaching agents, or chlorine in the products. Natural products should come with a quality certificate. Loose-leaf tea, brewed directly in a teapot or cup using ceramic or stainless steel infusers, is safe.
Advancements in food safety research
Spanish researchers emphasize the significant risks associated with microplastics and stress the importance of establishing uniform testing procedures to evaluate micro- and nanoplastic contamination from food-contact plastics. They also advocate for implementing legal measures to effectively control and reduce this contamination. With the growing reliance on plastic in food packaging, they argue that proactive steps are essential to safeguard food safety and public health.
