Microplastics in over 75% of pet food, study finds

Microplastics are in more than three-quarters of pet food products, a new study has found.

The research by the universities of Sussex and Exeter found microplastics in 16 out of the 19 brands that were tested, including "very well-known ones".

Cheaper "value range" products given to dogs, cats and wild animals contained more than the expensive ones, it found.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, typically smaller than 5mm.

Several studies have suggested that microplastics can harm animals and humans in many ways, though working out their exact impact is tricky and more research is needed.

Researchers in Sussex and Exeter said plastic pollution in pet food may have potential implications for health, but this was not the focus of their study.

Researchers found that, despite higher concentrations in dry food, wet food leads to higher daily microplastic intake because pets need to eat more of it to meet their energy requirements.

They are urging government to put in new regulations to insist processed food manufacturers test for microplastic contamination - similar to legislation that already exists to prevent chemical contamination.

Dr James Cooper, from the Food Standards Agency, said the government continues to monitor and assess emerging data regarding microplastics in food and feed.

"Based on current information, the FSA considers it unlikely that the presence of microplastics in food or pet food ​would cause harm, though this will be kept under review as new evidence becomes available.

"Microplastics are not intentionally added to food

"They occur as a result of plastics being fragmented by natural processes and can enter the food chain through uptake by animals, plants, or from food contact materials."

"Our results are a reminder that our pets are exposed to the same chemical pollutants as ourselves," University of Exeter Prof of Ecotoxicology Tamara Galloway said.

"Pets may be inadvertently spreading plastic pollution through their food and faeces, affecting wildlife and the wider environment," Fiona Mathews, Prof of Environmental Biology at the University of Sussex, added.

Researchers said that the sources of contamination were unclear.

"Further research is now needed to find out whether ingredient quality, packaging types, or processing methods, are the main contributors to the problem," they added.

A UK Pet Food spokesperson said: "Our members' pet food products comply with all applicable regulations and food safety standards, and pet owners can continue feeding commercially prepared pet food with confidence.

"Microplastics are a wider environmental issue and are found in many aspects of everyday life, including in food, drinking water and air.

"On behalf of our industry, UK Pet Food continues to engage with regulators, scientists, and colleagues in our sector and beyond to ensure new research is carefully considered as scientific understanding develops."

Alison Thomas, head of veterinary standards at Blue Cross, said: "It is likely there is a risk of exposure to pets through the use of plastic bowls, water from plastic bottles, plastic toys and food from plastic packaging to name a few.

"However, we don't have any detail on where the greatest risks of exposure are and what impact that will have on a pet's health during their lifespan."

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