Microplastics in food and drink: perceptions of the risks, challenges, and solutions among individuals in the 'farm-to-fork' food chain

Public concerns about the potential effects of plastic pollution on human health are high, especially following evidence of microplastics (MPs) in food and drink. However, scientific evidence on human health effects is unclear, and knowledge gaps remain with respect to sources, pathways, and toxicity. But alongside 'the public' and 'experts' are various groups in the 'farm-to-fork' food chain whose voices are less heard, despite their unique insights into different issues. These 'involved groups' or 'stakeholders' include people in the harvesting/production, processing/packaging, distribution/hospitality, and regulation sectors. To harness their viewpoints, we conducted 32 semi-structured interviews with members of relevant groups along the food chain. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using Thematic Qualitative Analysis. Although knowledge levels and beliefs about sources and pathways were diverse, interviewees echoed the wider public's concerns about human health risks alongside low certainty about underlying processes. Feelings of powerlessness and frustration, and the unavoidability of (micro-)plastics were emphasized. The need for increased awareness and solution know-how was stressed, and systemic changes on the regulatory level were called for (e.g. bans, binding and economic regulations). Relevant conditions for policy acceptance were identified (e.g. feasibility, effectiveness, evidence of risk). Findings highlight the fact that system change requires all actors in a system to understand the issues and be willing to play their part in solutions. The feelings of powerlessness and disenchantment expressed by many involved in the current system suggest greater work is needed to systematically include these groups in solution-finding and decision-making initiatives.