The Covid-19 crisis has led to changes in consumer behavior in the aspects of food products and packaging. Due to the isolation measures, consumers have increased online purchases for home deliveries, and this has created a higher usage of food packaging. Much of these food packaging is non-biodegradable or non-renewable, which results in unwanted environmental impacts to both the aquatic life and to human life. The food packaging materials alone make up a major proportion of the municipal solid wastes and its improper disposal can cause plastics presence in water streams which will accumulate toxic chemicals in its degradation and eventually make its way to the food chain through ingestion of seafood.

Food Safety and Risk is calling for submissions to our Collection on Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Food, Water and Environmental Safety.

Since the term microplastics surfaced in early years of this century its presence in the environment and food chain has become an area of great interest and concern. Contamination by microplastic in air, land, aquatic bodies, flora and fauna are being investigated through multidisciplinary research efforts. In the current research, attention is being given to interactions of microplastic and nanoplastics with human, plant and animal hosts, as well as with other biotic and abiotic contaminants. Owing to its durable nature, inertness, and slow degradation, microplastic and nanoplastics will continue to increase in volume and linger when left without mediation.

This thematic series focusses on reporting contaminants predominantly in food as well as assessing effects, risks and allowing extrapolation between test systems and between particles.

Topics are, but not limited to:

Prevalence of different microplastics in environment and food chain

Innovative detection methods for micro-and nanoplastics

Toxicity of micro- and nano-plastics

Microbial interactions on microplastics

Interaction of microplastics with food and environmental contaminants

Microplastics as allergens (carriers)

Legislation

Human health risk assessment

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 2, Zero Hunger.

All submissions in this collection undergo the journal’s standard peer review process. Similarly, all manuscripts authored by a Guest Editor(s) will be handled by the Editor-in-Chief. As an open access publication, this journal levies an article processing fee (details here). Wef=" recognize that many key stakeholders may not have access to such resources and are committed to supporting participation in this issue wherever resources are a barrier. For more information about what support may be available, please visit OA funding and support, or email OAfundingpolicy@springernature.com or the Editor-in-Chief.