Microwaving Plastic Baby Food Packaging: A Microparticle Release Concern

Plastic baby food pouches release high numbers of microplastic particles when heated in a microwave oven, according to a study by researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The study found that even organic baby food products packaged in plastic pouches released significant amounts of microplastics when heated. The researchers discovered that one container released approximately 580,000 microplastic particles after being refrigerated for six months, and an additional 4 million particles when heated in a microwave. The findings highlight the potential health and environmental implications of plastic packaging in the food industry.