Micro and Nano Plastics: A Consumer Perception Study on the Environment, Food Safety Threat and Control Systems

The ubiquitous nature and regular occurrence of microplastics and nanoplastics in the food chain and environment have made them topical subject for investigations. The subject is widely researched but a small group study focusing on ethnic black British is sparse. Thus the paper aimed to assess the consumers’ perception of the control system, environmental and food safety threats of micro- nanoplastics through a critical review and an online survey restricted to the mentioned demography. The review and focus group survey with 72 respondents, demonstrated a general awareness of the environmental detriments of plastics, microplastics and nanoplastics but not the food safety threat. Reduction of the use of plastics, especially single use plastics was overwhelmingly supported, with over 80% being in favour, In all cases, the standard deviation was low and the coefficient of variation is less than one (CV >= 1). Awareness studies remain key driver to consumer’s perception.