Chances are, if you reside in Southern Europe, you have likely consumed a blue microplastic particle, much like these....
Examples of blue microplastic particles encountered in food items by the author and colleagues. From left to right: (i) inside a tea bag, (ii) orginally embedded in chicken fillet (shown on a fingertip), and (iii) embedded in rye bread. Source: Microplastic Solution
Aldi, Lidl, Casino, and other supermarket chains operating in Southern Europe have faced criticism due to the discovery of unidentified blue microplastic particles in different processed foods. Both I and some of my colleagues, in Toulose, France, have encountered these blue plastic particles while eating. We managed to retain one for further analysis.
In March 2024, spanish consumers sent in their personal photographs to 'Instagramer', nutriotionist and 'realfood activist' @Carlosriosq, who reposted the images below, emphasizing the gravity of this issue, and demonstrating that these are not stand-alone occurences.
Blue meso- and microplastic particles found within processed foods. Source: Instragram @Carlosriosq
The presence of plastic particles of this size in food products may present a notable health hazard. This particular blue plastic is especially concerning due to its elevated concentration of pigment. Furthermore, the observation of visible, colored microplastics raises questions about the presence of even smaller, unseen microplastics.
In March 2024, I came across what seemed to be a blue microplastic particle in a piece of organic rye bread purchased at a 'Casino' supermarket in Southern France. This particle was saved for later analysis. Then again, in September 2024, a colleague discovered a 500-1000 µm piece of blue microplastic in her tea bag (in Toulouse, France) while I encountered a similar sized blue microplastic particle embedded in a chicken fillet at a cafeteria in Marseille, France. Unfortunately, both were lost and therefore could not be analyzed. However, photographs were captured and both particles are displayed in the first image of the article.
A blue microplastic particle measuring 600 x 200 µm embedded in a 4 mm wide breadcrumb. Source: Microplastic Solution
The blue microplastic discovered in the breadcrumb in March 2024, measured approximately 600 x 200 µm, had a rubbery surface and seemed to be the outcome of the shredding of a larger object. The microplastic particle exhibited a morphology and color resembling those found in Spain, although variations may occur depending on the camera used. Possibly, these meso- and microplastics stem from the same source, or at least, the same protocol or machinery related to this particular blue plastic.
After examining it under a microscope, we concluded that the blue microplastic particle likely originated from shredding, displaying a morphology resembling rubber. Source: Microplastic Solution
Raman microspectroscopic analysis identified the blue plastic as polyurethane; a polymer type in close ressemblance with synthetic rubber in terms of physical appearance and behaviour. This particular type of polyurethane displayed a distinct band in the fingerprint-region not present in the reference spectrum. Potentially, this band is indicative of components unique to this blue plastic's pigmentation or other additives. Therefore, we can utilize this distinct spectrum to identify the origin of the blue plastic contamination by collecting spectral data of plastic items present at the manufacturing location, and compare these.
Our Raman microspectroscopic analysis revealed that the blue microplastic particle (blue spectrum) was identified as polyurethane (reference spectrum = red spectrum). Data was captured in the spectral range from 60 to 3700 cm⁻¹ using a Horiba Soleil Raman microscope. Source: Microplastic Solution
We urge everyone who encounters blue microplastic(s) in their food to send their particle(s) in an envelope to our laboratory where we will analyze it/them for free (see more below). By doing so, we can begin to understand if there are different origins and types of polymers at play.
Additionally, we encourage Lidl, Aldi, and Casino to contact us at contact@microplasticsolution.com. By adhering to our mitigation program, we can assist you in resolving this problem definitively.
We analyze your blue microplastic free of charge
To anyone who encounters plastic in their food! Send your blue meso- or microplastic particle(s) to our laboratory and have it/them analyzed free of charge. Please state in which food item the plastic was found, along with where and when it was purchased. Plese let us know by email if you have sent us a sample or is planning to do so, and attach a photograph of the particle (prefferably embedded in the food item in it's original location).
Our address is:
9 Rue des Enfants d'Izieu, 31320 Castanet-Tolosan, France
Please note that we do not reimburse shipping fees.
For any questions, reach out at: contact@microplasicsolution.com
See @Carlosriosq's original post on Instagram and follow the hashag #blueplasticgate for updates on this pressing issue.
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