Microplastic contamination in food systems is an escalating concern with profound implications for food safety,human health,and marine ecosystem integrity.This review critically synthesizes current knowledge on the pr...Microplastic contamination in food systems is an escalating concern with profound implications for food safety,human health,and marine ecosystem integrity.This review critically synthesizes current knowledge on the presence,sources,and pathways of microplastics in food products,including seafood,agricultural crops,pro-cessed foods,and food packaging materials.Significant attention is given to the mechanisms through which microplastics interact with food components and serve as vectors for hazardous chemical additives,heavy metals,and pathogenic microorganisms,thereby amplifying the risks of foodborne contamination.The toxico-logical effects documented in marine organisms and humans ranging from oxidative stress and inflammation to disruptions in gut microbiota and metabolic functions underscore the urgent need for rigorous monitoring and control measures.This manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of advanced detection technologies and highlights the scientific challenges and regulatory gaps that hinder effective assessment and mitigation of microplastic contamination in food supply chains.It emphasizes the crucial role of interdisciplinary approaches integrating food science,toxicology,and environmental health to better understand exposure risks,toxicity mechanisms,and long-term consequences.By outlining current mitigation strategies such as improved waste management,development of sustainable packaging,and implementation of international policies,this review offers practical solutions that food industry stakeholders and researchers can adopt.Ultimately,it helps for food science readers with the critical insights necessary to safeguard food quality,protect consumer health,and preserve marine biodiversity,promoting sustainable food production practices in the face of the pervasive microplastic pollution crisis.展开更多
文摘Microplastic contamination in food systems is an escalating concern with profound implications for food safety,human health,and marine ecosystem integrity.This review critically synthesizes current knowledge on the presence,sources,and pathways of microplastics in food products,including seafood,agricultural crops,pro-cessed foods,and food packaging materials.Significant attention is given to the mechanisms through which microplastics interact with food components and serve as vectors for hazardous chemical additives,heavy metals,and pathogenic microorganisms,thereby amplifying the risks of foodborne contamination.The toxico-logical effects documented in marine organisms and humans ranging from oxidative stress and inflammation to disruptions in gut microbiota and metabolic functions underscore the urgent need for rigorous monitoring and control measures.This manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of advanced detection technologies and highlights the scientific challenges and regulatory gaps that hinder effective assessment and mitigation of microplastic contamination in food supply chains.It emphasizes the crucial role of interdisciplinary approaches integrating food science,toxicology,and environmental health to better understand exposure risks,toxicity mechanisms,and long-term consequences.By outlining current mitigation strategies such as improved waste management,development of sustainable packaging,and implementation of international policies,this review offers practical solutions that food industry stakeholders and researchers can adopt.Ultimately,it helps for food science readers with the critical insights necessary to safeguard food quality,protect consumer health,and preserve marine biodiversity,promoting sustainable food production practices in the face of the pervasive microplastic pollution crisis.
