Assessing the level of consumer awareness of microplastics presence in food products

This article is focused on the knowledge and awareness of people with higher education of the presence of microplastics in food products. The purpose of this study is to analyze the extent to which consumers know and are aware of microplastic sources, exposure levels, and potential health hazards associated with microplastic contamination of food and water. Most respondents are aware of the potential presence of microplastics in water. Most respondents in the study are aware that microplastics can be present in food and recognize that once ingested, they can accumulate in internal organs. Moreover, when asked about potential health hazards, the respondents most often chose cancer and gastrointestinal disorders, while diseases of the reproductive system were chosen less frequently. Consumer knowledge about the sources and health risks of microplastics appears to be more common among women and people with technical and medical training.