EFSA Publishes Literature Review on Micro- and Nanoplastics Released from Food Contact Materials
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a new literature review on microplastics (MP) and nanoplastics (NP) potentially released from food contact materials (FCM) during their use. [1]
The review analyzed over 1,700 publications published between 2015 and early 2025, with 122 studies selected for data extraction. Most of the studies focused on MP, with very limited data available on NP. Despite the growing number of investigations, EFSA found that many studies suffer from methodological weaknesses, including inconsistent sampling, potential contamination, and misidentification of particles, which often lead to overestimations of plastic particle release.
The review was guided by several key questions addressing the types of FCMs studied, the analytical techniques used to detect and quantify MP and NP released from FCMs, the potential for cross-contamination, the influence of substances that can mimic plastic particles (such as oligomers precipitate and fatty acids), and the mechanisms driving particle release. It also considered whether mechanical recycling processes might influence MP/NP release from plastic materials.
The report concludes that despite the shortcomings in publications, there is evidence of microplastics being released from FCMs, mainly as a result of mechanical processes such as friction, abrasion, or wear. This includes situations like the repeated opening and closing of plastic caps, the rubbing of storage bags, or mechanical grinding. The structure and age of the materials can increase their tendency to shed particles (such as embrittlement from UV exposure). Certain fibrous or porous materials, such as woven or non-woven tea bags, are particularly prone to releasing fibres when exposed to heat or agitation. However, EFSA emphasizes that there is no evidence of a diffusion-based migration process or of significant formation of new plastic particles during normal use.
The Authority also notes that many reported findings are strongly influenced by experimental artefacts, including contamination during handling or the presence of substances that only appear to be microplastics — such as fatty acids or oligomers that can precipitate when water cools after testing. As a result, the actual release of microplastics from FCM is likely much lower than the values reported in many studies.
Overall, the review concludes that the current data are insufficient to estimate consumer exposure to MP or NP from FCMs.
In light of these limitations, EFSA calls for further research and improved testing methodologies to clarify the extent of release and potential exposure to MP and NP. Specifically, EFSA highlights the need for validated testing protocols using polymer MP and NP standards and recovery tests using those standards, as well as for new analytical techniques capable of detecting and quantifying the release of NP ( < 0.1 µm) and MP (<1 µm). Future work should also focus on addressing gaps on the contact between non-polar FCM plastics and non-polar fatty food/simulants, on identifying the composition, size, and quantity of MP and NP released, and on testing real foods (other than water). Finally, EFSA stresses the importance of developing approaches to estimate dietary exposure to micro- and nanoplastics from FCMs, and to compare these potential contributions with other exposure sources, such as food and the environment. The Authority recommends that the evidence be re-evaluated within the next five years, once improved analytical methods and validated reference materials become available which would make a (re-)review worthwhile.
This review represents an important step forward in understanding the complex issue of MP and NP release from packaging and other food contact materials. It provides a clear scientific foundation for future research, while underlining that, for now, there is no sufficient basis to assess consumer exposure to MP and NP.
[1] “Literature review on micro- and nanoplastic release from food contact materials during their use” (EFSA Supporting Publication 2025: EN-9733) doi:10.2903/sp.efsa.2025.EN-9733