Microplastics have been detected in a variety of foods and beverages including in fish, seafood, salts, honey, beer, and bottled water. The normal and intended use of food packaging and other food contact articles (FCAs) is a source of this contamination. Most consumers perceive “microplastics in foods” as a very concerning health issue.
According to the Consumer Monitor published in September 2025 by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), 67% respondents rated this topic as very concerning, while 15% considered it of medium concern. “Microplastics in food” remains the number one health concern among German consumers, identical to 2024.
In the 2025 survey, “microplastics in foods” was also the most widely known health-related consumer topic, with 92% of respondents having heard about it. However, only 39% feel (very) well informed about the topic.
The survey was conducted in May 2025 and included 1003 participants aged16 years and older, living in Germany. The BfR Consumer Monitor is a representative survey of the population aiming for consumer health protection.
Reference
Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (2025). “BfR-Verbrauchermonitor 05 | 2025.” (German)
This article was originally published by Lisa Zimmermann at the Food Packaging Forum.
