Study finds microplastics in soybean oil sold in Bangladesh

A recent study has detected microplastics in both branded and non-branded soybean oils available in the Bangladeshi market, with non-branded products containing significantly higher levels of contamination.

The research, led by Dr Shafi Muhammad Tarek, a professor of Environmental Science at Jahangirnagar University, in collaboration with researchers from the Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), was published in the April 2026 issue of the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis. The researchers describe it as the first scientific study of microplastic contamination in soybean oil in Bangladesh.

The team analysed 60 samples of six soybean oil brands collected from supermarkets and open markets in Dhaka. The study identified an average of 53,922 microplastic particles per litre, with non-branded oils showing higher contamination than branded products.

Most of the detected particles were fibres, while laboratory analysis identified six common plastic polymers, including polyethylene, polypropylene, PET, polyurethane and nylon. Researchers said polyurethane and nylon were detected in edible oil for the first time.

The study estimates that soybean oil alone could expose adults to about 6,400 microplastic particles annually and children to more than 28,000. However, researchers said the current health risk remains relatively low despite the moderate level of contamination.

The researchers recommended stricter monitoring of edible oil production, storage, transportation and packaging, along with regular testing to limit future contamination.

Food safety analyst Mahbubur Kabir Milon urged authorities to expand testing to other edible oils and food products, saying the Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) and the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute (BSTI) should strengthen surveillance of emerging food contaminants.