Regular freezing bags turned out to be a source of microplastics in the blood and brain.

      Plastic bags are popular in the freezer for three reasons: space-saving, versatility, and low cost. However, as explained by an expert, there are three groups of risks associated with such storage: physical, culinary, and chemical.

      Physical and culinary risks are related to the quality of storage. Regular bags become brittle when cooled — food can crumble and absorb odors. Moisture evaporates through microscopic pores, the product dehydrates, and loses flavor. In regular bags, this happens within two weeks, while in special bags, it can last up to six months.

      But the key risk is chemical. Studies show that chemical migration from packaging to food occurs even at low temperatures. Plastic in the cold is not a completely inert substance. The longer the storage, the more plastic can transfer to the product. This is how regular freezer bags become a direct source of microplastics in food.

      And then this microplastic enters the human body. Scientists have proven that it accumulates in the body. Over a lifetime, the body can accumulate up to 20 grams of plastic. Particles are found not only in the intestines but also in the blood and the brain.

      At the same time, there is currently no direct evidence of harm to humans. Most data has been obtained in laboratories on cell cultures or in experiments on animals. For example, studies on mice have shown that microplastics can disrupt blood sugar regulation. Other experiments on tissues have shown that particles from PET bottles (a similar mechanism) can cause cellular stress and contribute to fat accumulation, which is linked to the risk of obesity and diabetes.

      Representatives of the WHO and practicing doctors urge not to panic — there is currently no definitive evidence that microplastics cause specific diseases in humans. However, recommendations to reduce its consumption are already being voiced.

      In addition to frozen products in bags, the highest amount of plastic is found in:

      - tea in bags,

      - drinks in plastic bottles,

      - seafood (mussels, squid, shrimp).

      To reduce risks, the expert advises:

      - Brew loose leaf tea.

      - Drink filtered water or buy it in glass containers.

      - Choose seafood from northern seas, where plastic content is minimal.

      And the main conclusion regarding the freezer: for safe storage, it is necessary to use special polyethylene bags with labeling (starred). It is recommended to store products for no more than six months. For long-term storage, it is better to use special glass containers — then there will be no migration of plastic into food at all.