Bisphenol A in food contact applications

Jul/10

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an organic compound used extensively to make polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins which have many uses and can be found in a wide array of everyday items from DVDs to cars, paints, adhesives and food containers. Cured epoxy resins are used as protective liners in metal cans and is also found on food jar lids where an airtight seal is an essential part of the packaging e.g. baby foods.

The versatility of these plastics and resins means that BPA is one of the world's most widely manufactured chemicals, with more than 2.2 million tonnes produced each year1. It is also "one of the most tested substances in the world"2 but despite this, concerns over the safety of using BPA in food-contact applications have been gaining momentum over recent years polarising opinions on its safety.

Legislation controls the use of BPA in food-contact applications e.g. European Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004 on Materials and Articles Intended to come into Contact with Foodstuffs require that materials and articles containing BPA, do not make food harmful nor that they change the nature, substance or quality of the food.

National legislation may be more specific, such as The Plastic Materials and Articles in Contact with Food (England) (No.2) Regulations 2006, which specify that no more than 0.6 mg/kg BPA may migrate into the food.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and many national food authorities assure consumers that BPA does not pose a risk to consumer health, although both EFSA and the US FDA are undertaking further scientific investigation. Not all food safety authorities share the view that BPA is safe for all and Denmark has recently enacted legislation that prohibits the use of BPA in food contact materials intended for young children (0 to 3 years). Legislation restricting the use of BPA in products intended for use by young children has also been passed in Canada and California.

In Australia, an alternative approach is being taken through a voluntary agreement between the Australian Government and leading retailers. Parliamentary Secretary for Health Mark Butler said "growing public concern over the chemical was the reason behind the Government brokering the deal after months of negotiations". Under the arrangement, BPA-containing baby feeding bottles will be gradually replaced; the phase-out commenced 1st July 2010.

Anticipating EFSA's publication of its updated scientific opinion on BPA in July 2010, a group of 60 scientists and health campaigners from 15 countries published an open letter they sent to EFSA in June, expressing their fears that exposure to BPA, even at levels lower than those currently permitted, could damage health, particularly among vulnerable groups such as babies and pregnant women.

So what does all this mean for food and packaging companies? Despite the conflicting views, it is clear that pressure to remove BPA from products aimed at young children is building. If your products, or their packaging, incorporate BPA (especially if aimed at children 0 to 3 years old), consider these steps:

Immediately

Identify any intended to be sold in Denmark, Australia, Canada or California - check whether the products are compliant with the legal situation in each market. If infant feeding bottles are the ‘product' (or included as a promotional or ‘give away' item), check that they conform to new requirements in relevant markets.  

Short to Medium Term

Track the publication of EFSA's updated scientific opinion and the FDA's study. Review the position in export markets and assess whether the likelihood of BPA-related legislation might have an impact on products in the supply chain and/or scheduled for production.

Medium to Long Term

Even if existing products or markets are unaffected, consider whether it is necessary to seek alternatives to BPA in food-contact applications where available.

1. www.bisphenol-a.org

2. American Chemistry Council