Microplastics from packaging contaminate food and drinks, study finds

(CNN) – Food packaging is contaminating food and drinks with potentially toxic chemicals from plastics.

That’s according to a new study published Tuesday in the journal NPJ Science of Food.

The new research shows that just opening grocery store items can contaminate your food with micro- and nano-plastics.

Things like unwrapping deli meat or cheese or opening cartons of milk or juice are included, along with glass bottles and jars with plastic-coated metal closures that could shed microplastic bits of plastic.

Experts say nano-plastics are so tiny that they can migrate through our tissue into our bloodstream and distribute potentially harmful synthetic chemicals throughout our body.

There are steps you can take to reduce exposure to plastics and the chemicals they secrete.

This includes using stainless steel and glass containers when possible.

You should also avoid microwaving food or beverages in plastic, bring reusable bags to the grocery store and bring your own mug for coffee to stores or silverware to the office.

Finally, don’t put plastic in the dishwasher, because the heat can cause chemicals to leach out.