Quality assessment of methodological aspects in microplastics studies on processed food

Abstract: Interest in the presence of microplastics in processed food continues to grow, yet studies focusing on the methodological aspects, as well as quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) procedures, remain limited. Thus, this study focuses on the assessment of methodological aspects employed in microplastics in processed food studies using the Criteria for Reporting and Evaluating Ecotoxicity Data framework. A total of 65 processed food studies conducted between 2015 and 2025 were selected for this assessment. This assessment involved 14 criteria, categorized into three phases: pre-laboratory work, laboratory work, and post-laboratory work. One study achieved the highest score of 27 out of 28, with the average total score ranging from 20 to 24. The lowest overall score was 8. In the pre-laboratory work, the most frequently reported aspect was sample size. During the laboratory work, laboratory preparation received the lowest score of 2, and 49 studies scored 0 for positive controls. In the post-laboratory work, most studies provided particle characteristics; however, for polymer color, 16 studies received a score of 0. The steps taken in pre-laboratory and laboratory work directly impact the accuracy and validity of the data in the post-laboratory work. These scores further reflect the need for stricter QA and QC standards related to the methodological aspects. Future studies can use the current assessment of methodological aspects as a reference to obtain reliable and valid microplastic data, which will increase confidence in their use in toxicity assessments.

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