Microplastics in over 75% of pet food, study finds

9 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on Google Joshua AskewSouth East Researchers have called on government to bring extra regulations on pet food Microplastics are in more than three-quarters of pet food products, a new study has found. The research 16 out of the 19 brands that were tested, including "very well-known ones". Cheaper "value range" products given to dogs, cats and wild animals contained more than the expensive ones, it found. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, typically smaller than 5mm. Several studies have suggested that microplastics can harm animals and humans in many ways, though working out their exact impact is tricky. Researchers in Sussex and Exeter said that the presence of plastic pollution in pet food may also have potential implications for health, but this was not the focus of their study. 'Further research needed' The study found that, despite higher concentrations in dry food, wet food leads to higher daily microplastic intake because pets need to eat more of it to meet their energy requirements. Researchers are urging government to put in new regulations to insist processed food manufacturers test for microplastic contamination - similar to the legislation that already exists to prevent chemical contamination. The Food Standards Agency has been approached for comment. Pets could be spreading pollution into the environment, experts said "Our results are a reminder that our pets are exposed to the same chemical pollutants as ourselves," University of Exeter Prof of Ecotoxicology Tamara Galloway said. "Pets may be inadvertently spreading plastic pollution through their food and faeces, affecting wildlife and the wider environment," Fiona Mathews, Prof of Environmental Biology at the University of Sussex, added. Researchers said that the sources of contamination were unclear. "Further research is now needed to find out whether ingredient quality, packaging types, or processing methods, are the main contributors to the problem," they added. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc. co. uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. More on this story Related internet links Plastic pollution Plastic Pollution Environment Brighton University of Sussex