Consumer Safety and Bisphenol-A (BPA)

BPA is an important chemical used primarily as an intermediate for the synthesis of polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins, which are used in a wide range of essential consumer applications, as diverse as DVDs, home appliances in the electronics and electrical sector, spectacles, optical lenses, baby and 19l reusable water bottles, medical equipment and food and drink cans.

Polycarbonate plastic, epoxy resins and BPA have been studied and safely used for more than 50 years. Based on scientific research testing health and safety, government agencies worldwide have authorised BPA and thus the use of BPA-based materials such as polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins for food contact applications. The weight of the scientific evidence has demonstrated that consumer exposure to trace amounts of BPA from polycarbonate plastic (including products such as baby bottles) or epoxy coatings (in food can linings) does not pose any risk to human health.

In the summer of 2008, the European Commission's expert body, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), as well as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in its recent draft assessment, confirmed that BPA-based materials can be safely used. Other regulatory authorities worldwide, including the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare also continue to recognise that the use of polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins for food contact applications is safe.

More information:

• EFSA full opinion and updates
• BPA risk assessment by EU legislation
• Fact sheet "Bisphenol A safety"
• Fact sheet "Regulatory Assessments"
• FDA Draft assessment