The hidden threat to food safety and human health: microplastics

Plastic, which has become an indispensable part of our daily life due to its wide range of uses, is produced worldwide by millions of tons, and most of it accumulates in the ecosystem. Microplastics (MPs), which emerge as a result of their decomposition over time, are found almost everywhere we live. Some foods can also have high MP concentrations. Fish and shellfish living in the sea and oceans appear to be one of the most important ways of MPs uptake through the food chain. At the same time, table salt and drinking water pose a threat to food safety in terms of the presence of MPs. Unfortunately, increased exposure to MPs can also bring health problems. For example, respiratory diseases, reproductive problems, change of microbiota, neurotoxicity, and even cancer are just a few of them. Therefore, this danger should be recognized and necessary precautions should be taken. Even small steps are needed in this area. It is extremely important for people to increase their awareness of this issue and for countries to prevent this threat with various policies. This review was written to explain how MPs threaten food safety and human health.{GRAPHIACAL ABSTRACT}