Microplastics are found in seafood that many Vietnamese families still eat daily, posing potential health risks if consumed regularly.

A CNN report (February 2024) shocked the public when it revealed that up to 90% of animal and plant protein samples tested contained microplastics. Notably, seafood — a favorite among Vietnamese people — ranked among the highest in contamination levels.

Below are 2 types of seafood known to be highly nutritious and widely consumed by Vietnamese households.

1. Shrimp




As plankton feeders — where microplastics tend to accumulate and drift with ocean currents — shrimp easily become a “reservoir” of plastic particles. Plastic packaging during storage and transportation only worsens the contamination.

A study published in Environmental Research showed that battered fried shrimp contained a massive amount of microplastics, averaging over 300 plastic fragments per serving.

2. Oysters

According to research from the University of Hull (UK), oysters and other shellfish such as mussels and scallops contain a higher density of microplastics per gram of meat than crabs or shrimp. Particularly, oysters harvested from Asian seas were found to be among the most heavily contaminated. A 2020 study by Professor Francisca Ribeiro (University of Queensland, Australia) also confirmed that microplastics are commonly present in oysters.

In addition, many familiar seafood varieties such as squid, farmed tiger prawns, blue crabs, and sardines have also been found to contain microplastics. A report from NutritionFacts.org revealed that just 300 grams of fish meat (such as grouper, catfish, or barracuda) may contain hundreds of microplastic particles.

What’s alarming is that the level of microplastics in seafood is not significantly different from that found in land-based meats such as chicken, beef, or pork. This shows that plastic pollution is not only an “ocean problem” but has spread widely, affecting nearly all of the food sources humans consume daily.

How to Reduce Microplastics in Your Meals?

Experts recommend several simple ways to help consumers reduce risks:

• Wash food thoroughly before cooking to remove surface microplastics.

• Prioritize fresh food, as processed foods, frozen products, and fast food often contain higher amounts of microplastics.

• Choose foods with clear origins, and avoid seafood sourced from polluted regions.

• Cut down on single-use plastic packaging and replace it with safer alternatives to prevent plastic particles from leaching during storage.

Microplastics are quietly entering family meals every day without us realizing it. If habits are not changed starting now, humanity may have to pay the price with health — and even lives — in the near future.