RQA - Recall News

Bisphenol A in food contact applications

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.

1. www.bisphenol-a.org
2. American Chemistry Council

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In recognition of the launch of the new training website, a subscriber to RQA's monthly Product Recall Newsletter has won a free one day course. However, due to the contact being on annual leave, we can not update you with the company's name or course chosen yet. Look out for next months Newsletter for further details.

 

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