Overview

• The French food safety authority ANSES measured an average of about 100 microplastic particles per liter in glass-bottled cola, lemonade, iced tea and beer
• Levels in glass bottles were found to be five to fifty times higher than those in plastic bottles or aluminum cans
• Lead author Iseline Chaïb said the team was surprised by the results, having initially expected lower contamination in glass
• Analysis showed that much of the plastic debris matched the composition of the bottle cap paint, suggesting friction during storage releases particles
• Experts warn there are currently no reference values or regulatory limits to assess whether these microplastic levels pose a health threat