Recent studies have demonstrated the negative impacts of microplastics on wildlife. Therefore, the presence of microplastics in marine species for human consumption and the high intake of seafood ( fi sh and shell fi sh) in some countries cause concern about the potential e ff ects of microplastics on human health. In this brief review, the evidence of seafood contamination by microplastics is reviewed, and the potential consequences of the presence of microplastics in the marine environment for human food security, food safety and health are dis- cussed. Furthermore, challenges and gaps in knowledge are identi fi ed. The knowledge on the adverse e ff ects on human health due to the consumption of marine organisms containing microplastics is very limited, di ffi cult to assess and still controversial. Thus, assessment of the risk posed to humans is challenging. Research is urgently needed, especially regarding the potential exposure and associated health risk to micro- and nano-sized plastics.