All Indian salt and sugar brands contain microplastics, study reveals

Microplastics have become a serious health and environmental problem across the world. These tiny plastic particles have been found to be present in air, water, soil, food and even human organs. A recent study has highlighted alarming concerns about the concentration of microplastics, particularly in Indian products. The study, titled “Microplastics in salt and sugar”, was conducted by environmental research organisation Toxics Link. The findings showed that “all Indian salt and sugar brands, whether big or small, packaged or unpackaged, contain microplastics,” PTI reported.

Researchers tested 10 types of salt. Photo Credit: iStock

To test the salt, the researchers selected 10 types of salt, including table salt, rock salt, sea salt and local raw salt. According to the study, iodised salt was found to have the highest levels of microplastics (concentration of 89.15 pieces per kg), while organic rock salt had the lowest levels (6.70 pieces per kg). In iodised salt, microplastics were found in the form of multicoloured thin fibres and films. According to the report, the concentration of microplastics in the salt samples ranged from 6.71 to 89.15 pieces per kg of dry weight.

The researchers also tested five types of sugar purchased online and from local markets. The amount of microplastics in these samples ranged from 11.85 to 68.25 pieces per kg. Non-organic sugar had the highest levels of microplastics. In addition, the study detected the presence of various forms of microplastics, including fibers, pellets, films and fragments, in all salt and sugar samples. Their size ranged from 0.1 mm to 5 mm.
Also read: Indonesia tops the list: The shocking truth about microplastics in your food. Tips to avoid it and stay safe

According to PTI, Ravi Agrawal, founder-director of Toxics Link, said, “The aim of our study was to contribute to the existing scientific database on microplastics so that the global plastics treaty can address this issue in a concrete and focused manner. Our aim is to mobilise policy action and draw researchers’ attention to potential technological interventions that can reduce microplastic exposure.” Satish Sinha, associate director of Toxics Link, said, “The detection of substantial amounts of microplastics in all salt and sugar samples in our study is worrying and requires urgent, comprehensive research on the long-term health effects of microplastics on human health.”

Earlier, a few days ago, another study about microplastics made headlines. The study, conducted by a team of researchers from Guangzhou Medical University and Jinan University in China, suggested that boiling and filtering water could be an effective way to reduce the concentration of microplastics in it. When testing the water, up to 90% of nanoplastics and microplastics were removed through this process in some cases. Click here to read the full news.
Also read: Are you eating plastic? Avoid these 5 everyday foods that add microplastics to your diet