The European Parliament requested EFSA’s scientific opinion on the potential health risks posed by microplastics in food, water and air, mirroring the public’s increasing interest in the issue. EFSA experts will review the latest evidence on microplastics, including how microplastics enter and affect the human body; how they are transferred into food; and the methods to assess related risks. They will also provide updated dietary exposure estimates based on new data from the literature.

“EFSA’s scientific advice, which is expected to be published by the end of 2027, will help advance knowledge in a field marked by scientific uncertainty,” the European Food Safety Authority announced.

According to EFSA’s Special Eurobarometer on Food Safety (2025), awareness of microplastics in food among EU citizens has risen to 63%, marking an eight-point increase compared to 2022.

In terms of consumer perception, 33% of respondents identify microplastics as one of their main food safety worries, making it a frequently cited issue across several Member States.

Over the past few years, EFSA has published a number of times on microplastics. The most recent publication is a literature review on micro‑ and nano-plastics released from food contact materials. EFSA found that microplastics can be released through the use of food contact materials, though at much lower levels than some studies suggest. The report identifies data gaps and makes recommendations on future research needs.

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