Avaliação da contaminação por microplásticos no processo produtivo de queijos

Abstract

The detection of microplastics in dairy matrices presents complex analytical challenges due to the density of lipids and proteins. Given these technical limitations, this research shifted the investigative focus from end-product analysis to mapping vulnerabilities within the production process. The objective of this study was to identify and evaluate critical points of microplastic contamination in the cheese manufacturing chain using a qualitative and descriptive approach. The methodology consisted of a comparative case study involving industrial units in Brazil and three strategic hubs in the European Union: the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy. The results allowed for the categorization of risks based on mechanical, thermal, and chemical stresses of polymers in contact with food. It was identified that extreme automation (Netherlands) and pressing time (Spain) are relevant vectors, but the highest criticality lies in industrial slicing and grating (Italy), where the increased plastic-to-food contact area enhances physical migration. The study concludes that the Brazilian regulatory framework presents a "blind spot" by focusing primarily on chemical stability while neglecting the physical degradation of equipment. The adoption of preventive replacement protocols for polymeric materials is recommended to mitigate the accidental ingestion of microparticles by consumers.