Microplastic Contamination in Salted Dried Beef

Plastic pollution is considered a major environmental challenge, and microplastics may pose risks to ecosystems and human health. This study investigated the presence of microplastics in salted dried beef sold in two cities in the Central Amazon, Brazil. Six brands, three sold in Itacoatiara and three sold in Parintins, were analyzed using density separation, organic matter digestion, stereomicroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. All the samples showed contamination by microplastics, totaling 141 particles. In the brands from Itacoatiara, 55 particles were identified, with an average size of 1.85 ± 1.48 mm, while in the brands from Parintins, 86 particles were found, with an average size of 1.30 ± 1.17 mm. Elongated blue fibers were the most frequent in both locations. Chemical analysis identified four types of polymers: polyethylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polystyrene, and polypropylene, which are mainly associated with urban sources. In this first study to demonstrate the contamination of salted dried beef by microplastics, the results reveal weaknesses in sanitary control processes and food safety, indicating potential risks to consumer health. This scenario reinforces the need to include microplastics as a parameter in sanitary surveillance programs and public food safety policies in the Central Amazon.