Essay
Bill HF3739 is about microplastics in meat and poultry study. $1,500,000 is given to the study starting 2025 and the deadline is February 1,2025, the fund is being taken from a general fund; The money is given to the office of the commissioner of agriculture, a government position responsible for agricultural matters.
All legislators should support Bill HF3739 because it has a direct impact on both consumer health and the environment. Microplastics, which pose serious health risks, are not only harmful to humans but also to the animals that consume them. These same animals are part of the food chain, with many ending up as food for consumers. It is crucial for consumers to understand what is entering their bodies, as plastic contains toxic chemicals that, when consumed regularly, can lead to health complications, including foodborne illnesses. Even washing meat cannot eliminate microplastics, as they remain embedded in the tissue. The only way to truly reduce exposure is by cutting back on consumption of animals higher up in the food chain.
Microplastics are pervasive, originating from everyday products, and insufficient recycling exacerbates the problem, with plastic ending up in landfills. Over time, plastic breaks down into tiny particles that infiltrate water systems and soil—the same soil in which we grow our food. This means that even consuming vegetables is no longer a guaranteed way to avoid microplastics. The growing contamination of our food supply and the environment by microplastics calls for urgent action to prevent further harm.
While there are concerns about the cost of funding this research—money that could be directed toward healthcare, infrastructure, or education—it is essential to recognize the long-term benefits of understanding the effects of microplastics on human health. Some lawmakers may downplay the issue, especially since it is relatively new and lacks widespread evidence. However, by investing in research now, we can better understand the extent of the problem and develop solutions to protect public health.
Though research might lead to increased regulation and potential economic challenges for the food industry, the benefits of identifying and addressing these risks far outweigh the costs. If scientists can prove the harmful impact of microplastics in food, the industry will have the opportunity to develop safer practices, ensuring that consumers' health is no longer at risk from harmful toxins. Early intervention is critical; we cannot afford to wait until the problem worsens.
Consumers are increasingly demanding transparency from the industries they support. They want to know exactly what they are putting into their bodies and are willing to invest in products that prioritize their long-term health. Bill HF3739 represents a proactive step toward ensuring that our food is free from harmful contaminants, and it is worth the investment for the health and safety of future generations.
Center. “Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Foods.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 24 July 2024, www.fda.gov/food/environmental-contaminants-food/microplastics-and-nanoplastics-foods. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Elbein, Saul, and The Hill. “Study Finds Microplastics in Nearly All American Proteins: Meat, Fish and Plants.” NewsNation, 30 Jan. 2024, www.newsnationnow.com/health/study-finds-microplastics-in-nearly-all-american-proteins-meat-fish-and-plants/. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.
“HF 3739 as Introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024).” Mn.gov, 2023, www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php?number=HF3739&type=bill&version=0&session_year=2024&session_number=0. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Sharma, Prabhakar, and Vijay Kumar Vidyarthi. “Impact of Microplastic Intake via Poultry Products: Environmental Toxicity and Human Health.” Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, vol. 14, no. 14, 1 Apr. 2024, pp. 100426–100426, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hazadv.2024.100426. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.