Microplastic Contamination in Industrially Packaged and Locally Produced Ice Creams: Occurrence, Characteristics, Exposure Assessment, and Pollution Risk

Microplastic (MP) contamination in foods has emerged as an increasing food safety concern; however, information regarding ice cream products remains limited. This study comparatively investigated MP contamination in locally produced unpackaged and industrially packaged ice creams marketed in Türkiye. A total of 24 samples (19 industrially packaged and 5 locally produced unpackaged) were analyzed using microscopic examination followed by ATR-FTIR polymer verification. Detected MPs were characterized according to polymer type, morphology, size, and color. MPs were detected in 100% of locally produced unpackaged samples and 42.1% of industrially packaged samples. EVA and ABS–EVA were the predominant polymer types, whereas fibers and black particles were the dominant morphology and color, respectively. A polymer-weighted pollution risk index (pRi) and a deterministic exposure assessment were also applied. Both the mean pRi values and estimated daily intake (EDI) were higher in locally produced unpackaged ice creams than in industrially packaged products. These findings suggest that differences in handling practices, environmental exposure, and food-contact materials may influence MP contamination. Overall, the results indicate that ice cream may represent a potential source of dietary MP exposure and highlight the importance of implementing effective contamination-control measures throughout production, packaging, and retail handling. This study provides valuable comparative baseline data for future food safety and dietary exposure assessments.