Microplastics contamination in eggs: Detection, occurrence and status

Nowadays, the widespread distribution of microplastics (MPs) in various foods has received much attention. In this study, eggs were purchased as samples from local supermarkets to detect and analyze the presence of MPs. The digestion method was optimized for eggs to better isolate MPs, which proved MPs indeed exist in eggs, and the average content was 11.67 ± 3.98 particles/egg. The shape and size range of most MPs were spherical and 50–100 μm. The infrared results showed that the main type of MPs in eggs was polyethylene. The number of MPs in egg yolk was higher than that in egg white, and there was no significant change after cooking. In addition, the daily human intake of MPs was estimated. Therefore, the results of this study provided a background for the current status and pollution of MPs in eggs, and proposed the necessary control and preventive measures to avoid this situation.