In the conspiracies surrounding microplastics in our food, two main conspiracy theories will be explored. One of these conspiracies is questioning whether are microplastics real, and, if so, how could they be affecting our health. Similarly, the other conspiracy theory examines why is the government allowing the production of microplastics in our food supply chain in the first place. Let’s examine these questions and conspiracies and discover the truth of microplastics.One of these conspiracies is questioning whether are microplastics real, and, if so, how could they be affecting our health. Yes, microplastics are real and they are tiny pieces of plastic typically smaller than 5 millimeters (mm) in size, or similar to the size of a pencil eraser or smaller (US Department of Commerce). Most types of microplastic are invisible to the human eye because of their size, but they do have an important scientific role in making larger pieces of plastic. For example, microplastics can be found in skincare face washes, water bottles and synthetic clothes. Secondary microplastics come from larger pieces of plastics, such as beverage bottles, bags, and toys (1). The weather affects microplastics through heat, wind and even waves causing the plastic to break down into smaller pieces that fully never decompose. Continual wear and tear of plastics break down into microplastics. Another example of microplastics is found in synthetic clothing such as polyester or nylon. Through general wear or washing and drying, these tiny fibers break off and shed from larger items (1). Microplastics are found in everything in our oceans to the air we inhale. They are found in wildlife animals and found in food and drinks we ingest. How do microplastics affect our health? Scientists are continually working on how microplastics affect our health and our understanding of them. The results of cellular and animal experiments have shown that microplastics can affect various systems in the human body, including the digestive, respiratory, endocrine, reproductive, and immune systems (Lee, et al). When microplastics are ingested through our gastrointestinal tract, they cause inflammation, irritation, and bloating, and change the intestinal microbiome. Microplastics are changing our intestinal microbiome means it is hurting the good and bad bacteria leading to more intestinal issues. Additionally, microplastics entering through our digestive tract cause an increasing toxin load leading to ailments like vomiting, abdominal pain and throwing up. Microplastic effects on the respiratory system may cause oxidative stress in the airways and lungs when inhaled, leading to respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and shortness of breath due to inflammation and damage, as well as fatigue and dizziness due to a low blood oxygen concentration (1). Microplastics in our endocrine systems cause hormone disruption leading to developmental and metabolic disorders. Microplastics can act as a medium for environmental toxic substances such as bisphenol A, which are absorbed into the body and cause various diseases of the endocrine system and reproductive system (1). Microplastics have been found in human breast milk and meconium, an infant’s first stool (Microplastics Everywhere). Microplastics are harming future generations before they reach adolescence. These are just a few examples of how microplastics are affecting our health through numerous body systems, and external factors that scientists are still uncovering. The other conspiracy is why is the government allowing the production of microplastics in our food supply chain in the first place? They are allowing the production of microplastics which are entering our food supply chain through our water, in the air and even in the animals we consume. If people are ingesting the equivalent of a credit card every-week then why isn’t the Government intervening to prevent this from happening (afkr221)? According to the FDA website, Microplastics and nanoplastics may be present in food, primarily from environmental contamination where foods are grown or raised (FDA Program, Human Foods). While some studies suggest there may be impacts to human health from exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics, the overall scientific evidence does not demonstrate that levels of microplastics or nanoplastics found in foods pose a risk to human health. (1) The Food and Drug Administration directly states that microplastics are in the food supply chain. Because the FDA refuses to interfere because there is insufficient scientific evidence to prove the effects on humans. Do not fear, however, the FDA is continually monitoring the presence microplastics and nanoplastics to determine if there could be adverse health problems in the future.