Southwest
Environmental LimitedSouthwest
Environmental Limited| London |
| 02076 920 670 |
| Exeter |
| 01392 927 961 |
| Manchester |
| 01612 970 026 |
| Bristol |
| 01173 270 092 |
At Southwest Environmental we have been assessing the impact of chemicals on humans and ecology for over decade. In recent years we have seen any number of new concerns arising from ever more contaminated food chains.
Microplastics has quickly become a very persistent, and prevalent concern with regards to Food Contamination. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, less than 5 millimeters in size, that can contaminate our food in a number here are some examples:
Microplastics are prevalent in the world's oceans, where they are ingested by and thusly contaminate fish and shellfish causing a negative impact of food safety. When we consume these seafood products, we also ingest the microplastics they contain.
Microplastics can contaminate table salt through seawater or from plastic pollution during the harvesting, processing, packaging, and transportation of salt.
Microplastics can contaminate fruits and vegetables through irrigation water contaminated with wastewater or microplastics present in the soil. Opens in a new windowwww.plasticsoupfoundation.org
Microplastics can leach from plastic bottles or containers into beverages, especially when heated or stored for long periods.
It is important to note that research on the health effects of microplastics is still ongoing. However, some studies have suggested that microplastics may have negative impacts on human health, such as disrupting hormones and damaging organs.
Detection of Micro plastics in Food
It would appear that humans have short memories. We have consistently invented a series of wonder chemicals, and substances over the last 80 of so years that are pretty much indestructible, and are all capable of bio accumulation.
Recent testing in the UK has shown that fish caught around the UK have measurable levels of forever chemicals contained within them. But this is a recent data set in a well established set of forever chemicals that really kicked off in the 70's with DDT.
Are you worried about levels of PFAS / PFOA in you products, please contact us to arrange testing.
The below section was written by a machine.
The environmental impact of global food chains is a critical component of modern sustainability planning. From the energy required for agricultural production to the emissions generated by complex transport networks, every stage of the food supply chain contributes to the broader ecological footprint of a development or organization.
Understanding the life cycle of food products is essential for identifying areas where carbon savings can be achieved. Modern supply chains often rely on energy-intensive processing and global logistics, which can significantly increase the embodied carbon of a single product.
At Southwest Environmental Limited (SWEL), we provide technical reports that quantify these impacts, allowing organizations to make informed choices that align with their environmental goals.
Demonstrating environmental stewardship in procurement is increasingly a requirement for planning consent and corporate ESG reporting. By analyzing and reducing the impacts of their food chains, developers can improve their overall sustainability performance.
With a 15-year track record and over 900 projects delivered across the UK, Southwest Environmental Limited offers the professional expertise required to navigate the complexities of supply chain sustainability.