The study, recently published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, was conducted by researchers Sadia Afrin, Nayon Hossain, and Mostafizur Rahman. The research analyzed seven types of branded and open sugar samples collected from various retail markets in Dhaka.

The study found that branded sugar contained an average of 322 microplastic particles per kilogram, while open sugar had an average of 403 particles per kilogram. Although the difference between the two types of sugar is not statistically significant, the level of contamination in open sugar is comparatively higher.

About 63 percent of the particles identified in the analysis were fibrous, 21 percent fragments, 11 percent thin films, and 5 percent spherical particles. According to researchers, these particles can enter food from plastic packaging, food processing machinery, storage, transportation, and degraded plastic scattered in the environment.

Chemical analysis confirmed the presence of multiple plastic polymers, including acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and nylon.

The study states that an adult may consume an average of 0.2178 microplastic particles per kilogram of body weight per day from sugar alone. Although this level is relatively low at present, researchers believe that due to regular dietary habits, sugar acts as a continuous source of microplastic intake.

According to the researchers, the risk of contamination may arise from plastic-based filters, pipes, bags, conveyors, and packaging materials used in various stages of sugar production, refining, storage, and marketing. Additionally, airborne microplastics can also mix with sugar.

In this situation, the researchers have recommended including microplastic monitoring in food safety systems, implementing stricter health standards in production and processing, and conducting extensive research on this matter.