Microplastics databaseStaples and side dishesChecked 2026-10-01
Microplastics in canned food
In a study of canned fish, nothing was found in 16 of 20 brands (above 0.149 mm), while another study found particles in 80%. Particles originating from the coating inside cans (such as epoxy resin) have been reported in canned beverages.
Amounts found in studies
| Study | What was tested | Size range and method | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karami et al. (2018) | 20 brands of canned fish | Over 0.149 mm | Nothing found in 16 brands |
| Silva et al. (2024) | Canned seafood | — (confirmed in the abstract) | Average of 3.5 per can |
| Akhbarizadeh et al. (2020) | Canned fish | — (confirmed in the abstract) | Found in 80% |
Results can differ by orders of magnitude depending on the smallest particle size counted and whether particles are counted or weighed. Numbers from different studies cannot be compared directly (→ Why numbers differ).
Good to know
- For the leaching of bisphenol A from the inner coating of cans, the Japanese industry has voluntary standards (0.005 ppm or less for beverage cans, 0.01 ppm or less for food cans) (→ Plastic types: “Epoxy resin”).
Data from Japan
No study measuring Japanese canned food was found.
Types of plastic found
Sources
- Karami A et al. 2018 (PMID 28898945)
- Silva et al. 2024 (PMID 38518443)
- Akhbarizadeh R et al. 2020 (PMID 33181921)
Last checked 2026-10-01. “Confirmed in the abstract” means we report only what the paper's abstract says. This page is a translation of our Japanese page; if they differ, the Japanese page is the reference.
Public bodies such as WHO, FAO and EFSA do not currently recommend that individuals avoid any particular food because of microplastics. This page lists facts from research and public agencies' documents; it does not judge whether a food is good or bad.