&w=3840&q=100)
Glass bottles may have more microplastics than plastic, shows French study
A study conducted by France's food safety agency, ANSES, titled 'Microplastic contaminations in a set of beverages sold in France', published recently in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, examined popular beverages like soft drinks, beer, iced tea, and water. Beer bottles topped the contamination charts.
What did the study find?
Researchers from ANSES analysed 56 beverage samples including water, soft drinks, iced tea, lemonade, beer, and wine, packaged in different materials like plastic, glass, brick cartons, cans, and cubitainers. They found glass bottles had the highest microplastic contamination across most beverages.
On average:
Waters had the lowest contamination at 2.9 MPs per litre, but glass bottles still had higher levels than plastic
The researchers initially believed plastic would be the bigger culprit, but found the opposite.
Which beverages contained the most microplastics?
Here's a quick contamination snapshot (microplastic particles per litre):
Beer (glass bottles): ~133 MPs per litre
Lemonade (glass bottles): ~112 MPs per litre
Cola (glass bottles): ~103 MPs per litre
Iced Tea (glass bottles): ~86 MPs per litre
Water (glass bottles): ~4.5 MPs per litre
In contrast, plastic and canned versions of these drinks had significantly lower levels of microplastics.
Why are glass bottles contaminated?
It's not the glass itself, it's the caps.
The study found that most microplastic particles in beverages stored in glass bottles matched the colour and chemical composition of the paint used on the outside of the bottle caps. The caps, especially those made of metal with painted coatings, are likely shedding microplastics into the drink.
Experiments revealed that a simple cleaning method, blowing and rinsing the caps before sealing, could reduce microplastic contamination by about three times.
Besides packaging, other sources include:
Manufacturing processes: Screwing/unscrewing caps can introduce particles
Environmental exposure: Poor storage and handling
Paint and adhesives: Especially on caps and labels
Notably, wine bottles were the exception. They had lower contamination because they were sealed with cork stoppers instead of metal caps.
What are microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments less than five millimetres in size. They are found almost everywhere, from the deepest oceans to the food and drinks we consume. Studies have even found microplastics in human tissues like the brain and placenta.
Should you stop drinking from glass bottles?
Not necessarily. But this study is surely a wake-up call. The perception that glass is always the safer, cleaner option isn't as straightforward as we thought. For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Time of India
5 morning drinks to naturally heal your liver and give it a gentle detox
The Liver's Quiet Struggle in a Loud World Detox in a Cup: What to Drink for Liver Support You Might Also Like: India's silent epidemic: 6 foods to include in your diet if you have fatty liver Amla Juice Ginger and Mint Tea iStock Amla juice and Ginger Mint tea Coconut Water Peppermint Tea Oat Tea iStock Coconut Water and Oat Tea You Might Also Like: When chia seeds can harm your health. Harvard liver specialist advises 3 right ways to consume them In today's fast-paced world, where convenience often trumps nutrition, one organ quietly bears the brunt of our modern choices — the liver. Whether it's the late-night greasy meal, the sugary drinks, the stress of deadlines, or sedentary habits, our liver works around the clock to keep our body balanced. But even heroes need support, and sometimes, all it takes is a conscious sip of something seen as the organ primarily affected by alcohol, the liver is now increasingly under siege from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition triggered not by drinking, but by everyday habits like consuming ultra-processed food, sitting for hours, and battling chronic stress. And while medications and supplements flood the market, doctors agree — the most powerful protectors of your liver might already be in your to a recent report by Only My Health, the liver is more vulnerable than ever before. Dr. Shoibalini Karmokar, General Physician and Founder of Aceso Mumbai, highlights how toxins from food, pollution, and stress are making it harder for the liver to do its job — metabolizing nutrients, clearing waste, and filtering blood. Yet, many don't realize their liver is in trouble until symptoms like fatigue, bloating, or even jaundice set worrying experts is the silent progression of liver damage. As gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi warns, liver disease often advances unnoticed — fat quietly accumulates, inflammation builds, and over time, fibrosis or even cirrhosis can occur. And all of this without a single sip of miracle detox kits. Real nourishment can begin with a simple drink. Dr. Karmokar suggests five effective, natural beverages that can support liver health and offer a gentle cleanse for the overworked from Indian gooseberry, amla juice is packed with Vitamin C and powerful antioxidants. As Dr. Karmokar points out, it can reduce liver inflammation, improve function, and shield against toxin-related known for lowering triglycerides and cholesterol, pairs beautifully with mint's cooling menthol effects. Together, they offer a potent blend of antioxidants that support liver regeneration and fight oxidative touted as nature's electrolyte drink, coconut water may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver, thanks to its bioactive compounds. It's a hydrating and restorative choice for anyone looking to ease liver thanks to compounds like menthol, offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies cited by Dr. Karmokar suggest peppermint oil may even help prevent liver fibrosis — a condition where scar tissue builds up and damages liver aren't just for breakfast anymore. Avena sativa, or oat tea, is rich in antioxidants and has shown promise in reducing liver enzyme levels and preventing liver damage from toxins such as these drinks won't replace medical treatment, they offer a meaningful first step toward protecting your liver in the long term. The secret isn't in a dramatic overhaul but in small, sustained choices — a cup of tea instead of soda, water over sugary beverages, and mindful movement rather than endless screen time.
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Time of India
6 Ways to fix fatty Liver with Ginger-based drinks
Fatty liver disease, especially non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is increasingly common due to poor diet, lack of exercise, and lifestyle-related issues. Ginger, a powerhouse of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds like gingerol, can support liver health and reduce fat accumulation. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Here are six effective ginger-based drinks to help manage and improve fatty liver naturally. Ginger Lemon Water (Morning Detox) Start your day with warm ginger lemon water. Boil a few slices of fresh ginger in water, let it steep, then add freshly squeezed lemon juice. This drink aids liver detoxification, enhances bile production, and kickstarts your metabolism — all of which are vital for fat breakdown in the liver. Ginger-Turmeric Tea (Anti-inflammatory Blend) Ginger and turmeric together form a potent anti-inflammatory tonic. Boil both ingredients in water, strain, and sip warm. Curcumin in turmeric and gingerol in ginger work together to reduce liver inflammation, promote liver cell repair, and slow the progression of fatty liver disease. Ginger-Cinnamon Fat-Burner Tea A blend of ginger and cinnamon boiled in water can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce fat storage in the liver. Cinnamon improves insulin sensitivity, while ginger supports digestion and metabolic health, aiding in fat metabolism and liver detox. Ginger Mint Cooler (Liver Cooling Drink) During warmer days, a ginger-mint drink can soothe the liver and aid digestion. Boil ginger slices, cool the decoction, and blend with mint leaves and a splash of lemon. Mint adds a cooling effect and enhances liver enzyme activity, helping in fat digestion and removal. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Amla-Ginger Juice (Vitamin C Booster) Combine fresh amla (Indian gooseberry) juice with ginger juice and dilute with water. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, this drink supports liver regeneration, reduces oxidative stress, and helps flush out toxins that contribute to fatty liver. Ginger-Fennel Herbal Tea (Digestive Aid) Brew ginger with fennel seeds for a gentle, digestion-boosting tea. Fennel helps with bloating and supports bile flow, while ginger stimulates digestive enzymes. Together, they improve fat digestion and reduce the burden on the liver. Conclusion While ginger-based drinks are not a cure, incorporating them into your daily routine can significantly support liver health, reduce fat buildup, and enhance overall metabolic function. For best results, pair these drinks with a low-fat, nutrient-rich diet and regular exercise. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any natural remedy, especially if you are on medications.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Time of India
Glass traders' federation clarifies microplastics not caused by glass but metal caps
Mumbai: The All India Glass Manufacturers' Federation (AIGMF) Wednesday addressed media reports about a French study that showed the presence of microplastics in beverages packaged in glass bottles. "These reports misinterpret findings from a scientific study conducted by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES). The ANSES study, in its clear findings, points out that any plastic particles observed in drinks primarily originate from the paint on the caps used for decoration in glass bottles for packaging beverages," said a press release. "The study investigates the presence of microplastics across different types of beverage containers (plastic, cartons, cans and glass) in drinks such as water, soda, iced tea, wine and beer. The study is clear that the level of microplastics found in the bottles tested is linked to the metal caps/ closures of the bottles, and not from glass packaging itself." You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Rajesh Khosla, president- AIGMF said, "Glass industry representatives unfortunately were not consulted before making this study public. We request the media and public to understand the manufacturing process of glass bottles to avoid spreading any misleading information on glass, which has been a trusted mode of packaging since ancient times."
