New study reveals plastics in food—what parents need to know

Everyday plastics are leaking into our food—here’s what parents need to know now

Credit: Canva / Motherly

Normal, everyday actions, like twisting the cap off a water bottle, unwrapping deli meat, or microwaving leftovers in a plastic container

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It’s hard enough navigating all the decisions that come with feeding your family, without wondering if the packaging itself could be part of the problem. But that’s exactly what new research is asking parents to consider.

A June 2025 study published in NPJ Science of Food found that normal, everyday actions, like twisting the cap off a water bottle, unwrapping deli meat, or microwaving leftovers in a plastic container—can release microplastics and nanoplastics directly into the food and drinks we consume. These aren’t rare, accidental exposures. They’re built into how we use plastic in our daily lives.

Lead researcher Lisa Zimmermann told CNN that it’s not just the material, but the use of plastic: opening, heating, washing, that causes these tiny particles to shed. “The research shows the number of microplastics increases with each bottle opening,” she said, noting that repeated contact and abrasion play a major role.

So what does this mean for parents trying to make the best choices for their families? And what can you actually do about it? Let’s break it down.

What the new study found

The 2025 study made one thing especially clear. Microplastics and nanoplastics aren’t just in our oceans, they’re in our meals. And they’re showing up not because something went wrong, but because of how we typically use plastic in our kitchens and grocery stores.

Researchers found that common actions like opening and closing bottle caps, microwaving food in plastic containers, storing hot foods in plastic, or simply unwrapping deli meat can cause tiny plastic fragments to shed into the food and beverages inside.

Some of the biggest culprits include:

Bottled drinks, especially those opened and reclosed repeatedly
Pre-packaged deli meats and cheeses
Microwaved meals or takeout in plastic containers
Plastic-wrapped fruits and vegetables

Another key finding: ultra-processed foods tend to contain more microplastics. That’s likely because they go through more steps in manufacturing and spend more time in contact with plastic processing equipment. Each step increases the chance that plastic particles will migrate into the food.

The study also notes that ultra-processed food now make up more than half of the average diet in the United States and as much as 44% of daily intake in Europe.

And if you’re picturing a few stray particles, think again. Another study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found up to 240,000 plastic particles in a single liter of bottled water. This 1 liter sample had seven types of plastics. About 90 percent of them were so small (classified as nanoplastics) they could pass through the lining of the gut or lungs and circulate in the bloodstream.

David Andrews, acting chief science officer at the Environmental Working Group told CNN, “This new study highlights food packaging and processing equipment as potentially significant sources of microplastic contamination in the food we eat, and ultimately in our bodies. This study should raise alarm bells.”’

Why this matters to parents

This isn’t just about dinner. Microplastics are showing up in some of the most vulnerable parts of our bodies, including those that play a role in pregnancy and early development. And while the science is still emerging, the early findings are worth paying attention to.

Recent studies have detected microplastics in the placenta, raising concerns about possible links to preterm birth. Another study found plastic particles in breastmilk, and researchers have also discovered them in ovarian fluid and umbilical cords. In mouse models, nanoplastics have been shown to cross the placenta, reach fetal tissue, and remain there even after birth.

Experts emphasize that this research is still in early stages. These studies are not proof of harm, but they suggest that plastics are getting further into the body, and possibly staying there, than previously thought.

For parents, especially those who are pregnant or trying to conceive, this growing body of evidence can feel overwhelming. But understanding what’s happening is the first step toward protecting your family’s health, and there are simple, realistic ways to reduce exposure.

What parents can do realistically

You shouldn’t have to overhaul your entire kitchen just to feel like you’re doing right by your family. While plastic is everywhere, there are small, realistic steps you can take to reduce exposure, especially during pregnancy, postpartum, and early childhood.

Here’s what experts recommend:

Use glass or stainless steel containers for storing food and drinks when possible
Avoid microwaving food or formula in plastic, including baby bottles and food storage containers
Choose fresh or unpackaged produce when it’s convenient, especially if it’s wrapped in thin plastic
Don’t reuse old takeout containers or cracked plastic items like bottles or sippy cups
Check recycling codes—avoid plastics labeled with #3 (phthalates), #6 (styrene), or #7 (BPA and other mixed plastics)

The goal isn’t perfection. Every swap you make can help reduce the amount of plastic your family is exposed to, even if just a little. And the truth is, many families are already doing a lot, bringing reusable water bottles, packing lunches in glass, skipping unnecessary packaging when shopping. It all adds up.

It’s not all on parents, this is systemic

Even with the best intentions, parents can only do so much. Microplastics are in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. That’s why experts stress the need for action that goes beyond individual households.

According to a study published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, more than 3,600 chemicals can leach into food during manufacturing, processing, packaging, and storage. Many of these substances have never been fully tested for long-term safety. Some are already linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and reproductive harm.

In August, over 175 countries will meet in Geneva to negotiate a Global Plastics Treaty, aiming to create a legally binding agreement to reduce plastic pollution worldwide. Public pressure matters here. Experts encourage concerned parents to reach out to elected officials, support brands committed to safer packaging, and stay informed about policy changes.

Plastic pollution is not just a personal issue, it’s a global one. And while families can take meaningful steps at home, long-term change will require bigger solutions.

The bottom line

It’s easy to feel discouraged when headlines point out how deeply plastics have made their way into our lives. But the truth is, knowledge can be empowering. Understanding where microplastics come from and how they get into our food gives us something we didn’t have before—clarity.

You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to throw out everything in your kitchen. But making a few small shifts, staying curious, and using your voice when it counts can help protect your family’s health in the long run.

Plastic may be everywhere, but you still have power. And that’s something worth holding on to.

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