Microplastics (MPs), defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have emerged as a global environmental and public health crisis, infiltrating air, water, soil, and food systems worldwide. MPs originate from the breakdown of larger plastic debris, single-use plastics, and industrial processes, entering food. Emerging evidence underscores the ability of MPs to cross biological barriers, including the blood–brain barrier, triggering neuroinflammatory responses and contributing to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Polystyrene (PS), a common type of MP, activates microglial cells, releasing pro-inflammatory cytokines like tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukins, which increase neuronal damage. MPs have also been linked to cardiovascular diseases, with studies detecting polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in carotid artery plaques, increasing the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. Furthermore, MPs disrupt endocrine function, alter lipid metabolism, and induce gut microbiome imbalances, posing multifaceted health risks. In the MENA region, MP pollution is particularly severe, with the Mediterranean Sea receiving an estimated 570,000 tons of plastic annually, equivalent to 33,800 plastic bottles per minute. Studies in Egypt, Lebanon, and Tunisia document high MP concentrations in marine ecosystems, with herbivorous fish like Siganus rivulatus containing over 1000 MPs per individual due to the ingestion of contaminated seaweed. Despite these findings, public awareness and regulatory frameworks remain inadequate, with only 24% of Egyptians demonstrating sufficient knowledge of safe plastic use. This review emphasizes the urgent need for region-specific research, policy interventions, and public awareness campaigns to address MP pollution. Recommendations include sustainable waste management practices, the promotion of biodegradable alternatives, and enhanced monitoring systems to mitigate the health and environmental impacts of MPs in the MENA region.

A scoping review was conducted to analyze the current state of food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices of food handlers in the Arab countries. The literature search identified 40 studies that met the inclusion criteria, and their findings were analyzed and discussed; these varied in scope, with some examining all three components and others focusing on knowledge only or knowledge and practices. Their findings revealed a fundamental lack of knowledge in critical food safety areas across food sectors, although hospitals and institutional settings performed relatively better. While studies commonly reported fair to good knowledge of personal hygiene among food handlers, significant gaps remained in the proper application of hygiene practices. Additionally, deficits in food safety knowledge were particularly pronounced among street vendors and those in low-income countries. Despite inconsistent results across studies, widespread misconceptions and deficiencies were evident in food temperature control, sanitation, and cross-contamination prevention. These shortfalls extended to poor practices and, at times, to attitudes that reflected a lack of awareness of their significance, posing a risk of cross-contamination during the preparation, holding, and storage of food, including in healthcare settings. These results underscore the need for targeted interventions that extend beyond conventional training, integrating behaviour-based learning and a strong food safety culture through practical education and robust licensing frameworks to elevate food safety standards across the region.