European Union bans Bisphenol A in food packaging

The European Union has introduced a ban on the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in materials that come into contact with food. This regulation aims to reduce consumer exposure to the chemical, which can leach from packaging into food and beverages.

The ban covers a wide range of products, including coatings for cans and tins, reusable water bottles, food storage containers, and various types of kitchenware. To prevent manufacturers from simply switching to similar hazardous substances, the new rules also target other bisphenols, such as BPS and BPF.

The decision follows a 2023 assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which concluded that BPA poses a health risk to all age groups. The EFSA significantly lowered the tolerable daily intake to 0.2 nanograms per kilogram of body weight, a 20,000-fold reduction from the 2015 value. BPA is identified as an endocrine disruptor that can interfere with hormonal functions and impact the immune system. Scientific studies have linked exposure to various health issues, including asthma, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, infertility, and certain types of cancer.