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A pilot study carried out by a team at the Free University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands has discovered microplastics in the feed of farmed cows and pigs, and in their meat, milk and blood. Dr Heather Leslie, a co-author of the study, explains that microplastics are ultrafine plastic dust that is hazardous to human health and the environment. She says that they have been found in animal feed, probably from production processes whereby supermarket food is shredded without unwrapping the plastic packaging, which is then added to feed. They found cows and pigs had high concentrations of different types of plastics in their feed, and these were also in their blood. She notes this was a small pilot study, but that many other studies are taking place across Europe to investigate the dangers of microplastics to the public's health. She suggests that if people want to reduce the presence of plastics in their everyday life, they should use their political voice and challenge politicians. Photo: Stock image of cows feeding Credit: Getty Images