REVEALED: THE TOXIC BEADS IN YOUR FOOD

Day Two of Mail campaign: Plastic found in a THIRD of fish caught in Britain

Plastic particles are found in a third of fish caught off Britain, a major study reveals today.

It found widespread contamination of cod, haddock, mackerel and shellfish by microbeads used in shower gels, toothpastes and beauty products.

Plastic fragments and residues were also detected in 83 per cent of UKcaught scampi, as well as in tuna, mullet, mussels and oysters. It is thought the fish – many of which reach the human food chain – are feeding on plastics mixed in among plankton.

Campaigners warn the microbeads are a magnet for pesticide residues and industrial chemicals that jeopardise human health. Greenpeace, which commissioned the marine research, said oceans were at risk.

‘An estimated eight million tons of plastic enters our ocean every year, and whether it is in the form of microbeads

or throwaway plastic packaging, the science shows us that it’s a toxic time-bomb,’ a spokesman added.

The Daily Mail yesterday launched a campaign calling for action on the industrial use of microbeads. They are being phased out over the next few years on a voluntary basis by cosmetic firms but the ‘Ban the Beads’ campaign is demanding an immediate UK embargo.

Yesterday this won the support of MPs, MEPs, academics and environment campaigners, as well as leading sport and showbusiness figures. Pressure is now mounting on Theresa May to take unilateral action to outlaw microbeads while the European Commission drags its feet. Today’s Greenpeace report says:

36.5 per cent of fish caught by trawler in the English Channel, including cod, haddock and mackerel, contained synthetic polymers;

83 per cent of Norway lobsters – often sold as scampi in Britain – contained microplastic debris;

40 per cent of the plastics found in North Sea and Baltic fish were polyethylenes, which are used in microbeads;

A Portuguese study found microplastics in 20 per cent of 263 commercially-caught fish;

Analysis of 121 fish caught in the Mediterranean, including tuna and swordfish, found plastic debris in 18 per cent;

A field study collecting fish in the North Pacific found 35 per cent contained plastic fragments.

Researchers at the School of Marine Science and Engineering, Plymouth University, said the English Channel findings were most likely the result of what the fish were eating. Pollutants that can enter fish through plastics range from pesticides like DDT to phthalates and fire retardants.

Louise Edge of Greenpeace said: ‘Once in the ocean, microplastics can both attract and leach out toxic chemicals and be consumed by marine life. In some cases, juvenile fish have even been shown to prefer plastic to their natural food source.

‘The report presents evidence of microplastics appearing in seafood and while the effects on human health remain unclear, we argue that a prolonged industry-led phase out of microbeads simply isn’t good enough.

‘As more and more research shows that microplastics can harm marine life and even end up on our dinner plates, a ban on microbeads is a simple way for Theresa May’s Government to show that they take the effects of plastic pollution on marine life and human health seriously.’

Trillions of microbeads are being washed into the sewers and seas every year. As many as 100,000 can be flushed down the plughole after a single shower.

Manufacturers have so far responded to concerns by promising to remove the plastics from some products by 2020.

The European Commission is also investigating whether it might recommend a ban across member states. However, MPs from all parties on the Commons environmental audit committee say the Government should go further and implement a unilateral UK ban.

MEPs believe that imposing a ban in Britain would be enough to force Brussels to take action. They point out that a ban is coming into force in the United States next year. Aus- tralia is also considering one. Environment ministers, including George Eustace and Rory Stewart, have suggested the UK may impose a unilateral ban.

The environment department Defra said last night: ‘We are absolutely committed to protecting the world’s seas, oceans and marine life from pollution.

‘Many leading manufacturers have already taken voluntary steps to remove microbeads from cosmetics, beauty products and toothpastes. We will now consider what further action is appropriate.’

The Cosmetic, Toiletry & Perfumery Association argues voluntary measures are more effective than legislation.

Companies are taking the beads out of exfoliants and scrubs by 2020, but there is no industry commitment to take them out of all other products like shaving gels, toothpaste and deodorants.