Microplastics found in all Indian salt and sugar brands: Study

Published On: August 14, 2024 05:20 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, Aug 14: A recent study has revealed that all Indian brands of salt and sugar, regardless of their size, packaging, or type, contain microplastics. The research, conducted by the environmental organization Toxics Link, tested a variety of salt and sugar samples purchased from online and local markets, including table salt, rock salt, sea salt, and different types of sugar.

The study, titled "Microplastics in Salt and Sugar," found that microplastics were present in all tested samples in various forms such as fibers, pellets, films, and fragments. The size of these microplastics ranged from 0.1 mm to 5 mm. The highest concentration of microplastics was detected in iodized salt, which contained multi-colored thin fibers and films.

Ravi Agarwal, the founder-director of Toxics Link, stated that the study aims to contribute to the global understanding of microplastics and encourage policy action to mitigate their presence in consumables. Satish Sinha, the associate director of Toxics Link, emphasized the need for further research into the long-term health impacts of microplastics on human health, given the study's alarming findings.

The concentration of microplastics in salt samples varied, with iodized salt having the highest concentration at 89.15 pieces per kilogram, while organic rock salt had the lowest at 6.70 pieces per kilogram. In sugar samples, non-organic sugar was found to have the highest concentration of microplastics, ranging from 11.85 to 68.25 pieces per kilogram.

Microplastics are an increasing global concern due to their potential harm to health and the environment. These tiny particles can enter the human body through food, water, and air, and have recently been detected in human organs, including the lungs, heart, and even in breast milk and unborn babies.

According to previous studies, the average Indian consumes more salt and sugar daily than recommended by the World Health Organization.

(This news report has been paraphrased and originally appeared on Business Standard)