This study aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize microplastics (MPs) in skim-milk powder samples from different European countries using Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy (μ-FTIR-ATR). The research involved 16 samples collected from 8 European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, and Poland. The samples were analyzed to detect and identify MPs, which are plastic fragments smaller than 5 mm in diameter. The study found that hot alkaline digestion effectively removed organic and inorganic residues, facilitating the identification and quantification of MPs. A total of 29 different polymeric matrices were identified, with 536 plastic particles detected. The most common MPs were polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The MPs were found in various shapes (fibers, spheres, and irregular fragments) and colors (black, blue, brown, fuchsia, green, and gray). The presence of MPs was observed in all samples, indicating a general contamination. The study highlights the need for further research to standardize methods for identifying and characterizing MPs in food products, as well as to assess the potential health risks associated with their intake.This study aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize microplastics (MPs) in skim-milk powder samples from different European countries using Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy (μ-FTIR-ATR). The research involved 16 samples collected from 8 European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, and Poland. The samples were analyzed to detect and identify MPs, which are plastic fragments smaller than 5 mm in diameter. The study found that hot alkaline digestion effectively removed organic and inorganic residues, facilitating the identification and quantification of MPs. A total of 29 different polymeric matrices were identified, with 536 plastic particles detected. The most common MPs were polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The MPs were found in various shapes (fibers, spheres, and irregular fragments) and colors (black, blue, brown, fuchsia, green, and gray). The presence of MPs was observed in all samples, indicating a general contamination. The study highlights the need for further research to standardize methods for identifying and characterizing MPs in food products, as well as to assess the potential health risks associated with their intake.