This study characterizes microplastics (MIPL) in skim-milk powder samples from eight European countries. Using Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode (μ-FTIR-ATR), the researchers identified 29 different polymeric matrices in 536 plastic particles. The most abundant MIPL were polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). MIPL were found in three shapes (fiber, sphere, irregular fragment) and six colors (black, blue, brown, fuchsia, green, gray). All samples contained MIPL, indicating widespread contamination. The study highlights the use of hot alkaline digestion for effective identification of MIPL in skim-milk powders. The results suggest that MIPL contamination is a general issue in dairy products, with potential health risks due to ingestion. The study also emphasizes the importance of developing standardized methods for MIPL analysis in food to ensure accurate and reliable results. The findings contribute to understanding the presence and impact of MIPL in the food chain, particularly in dairy products, and highlight the need for further research to assess the health effects of MIPL exposure. The study underscores the importance of identifying and reducing MIPL contamination in food to protect consumer health.This study characterizes microplastics (MIPL) in skim-milk powder samples from eight European countries. Using Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode (μ-FTIR-ATR), the researchers identified 29 different polymeric matrices in 536 plastic particles. The most abundant MIPL were polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). MIPL were found in three shapes (fiber, sphere, irregular fragment) and six colors (black, blue, brown, fuchsia, green, gray). All samples contained MIPL, indicating widespread contamination. The study highlights the use of hot alkaline digestion for effective identification of MIPL in skim-milk powders. The results suggest that MIPL contamination is a general issue in dairy products, with potential health risks due to ingestion. The study also emphasizes the importance of developing standardized methods for MIPL analysis in food to ensure accurate and reliable results. The findings contribute to understanding the presence and impact of MIPL in the food chain, particularly in dairy products, and highlight the need for further research to assess the health effects of MIPL exposure. The study underscores the importance of identifying and reducing MIPL contamination in food to protect consumer health.