Detection and release characterization of micro-nanoplastics from kitchen plastic products: A review

Kitchen-derived micro-nanoplastics (M/NPs) have emerged as a potential source of human dietary M/NP exposure, yet their release mechanisms, particle characterization, and associated health risks remain poorly understood. This review systematically summarizes the current research on household kitchen plastic products, categorizing them into cooking auxiliaries, cleaning products, food containers, and others. Among them, plastic food containers are the primary contributors to kitchen-derived M/NP release. Three main laboratory simulation approaches (i.e., mechanical wear, thermal degradation, and chemical corrosion) and composite scenario simulations for M/NP release are summarized, revealing that release behavior is synergistically regulated by polymer type, mechanical force, temperature, exposure duration, and the physicochemical properties of food matrices. Characterization of the released particles shows that the kitchen-derived M/NPs are dominated by polypropylene and polyethylene, with the majority presenting as irregular particles exceeding 1 μm in size. Furthermore, quantitative data on dietary M/NP intake and the multi-system toxicological risks of ingested particles are discussed. Future perspectives are proposed based on critical research gaps, including non-standardized simulation protocols and QA/QC procedures, insufficient detection sensitivity for NPs, and the lack of targeted pollution control strategies. Overall, this review consolidates current research evidence in this emerging field, establishing a comprehensive framework to guide future research, pollution mitigation, and food safety policy formulation, with critical implications for safeguarding human dietary health.