Press Release: Update on bisphenol A

In April 2008, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) examined information from two new reports from Canada and the United States on bisphenol A (BPA). Following this review, EFSA will assess whether further consideration of its advice on the safety levels for bisphenol A is required and will provide an update on the outcome of its work.

Bisphenol A is used to manufacture polycarbonate, a rigid plastic used to make infant feeding bottles, plates, mugs, jugs, beakers, microwave oven ware and storage containers. Another common use is in the production of epoxy-phenolic resins which form internal protective linings for cans and metal lids and coatings for water storage tanks and wine vats. BPA can migrate in small amounts into foods and beverages stored in materials containing the substance.

European Food Safety Authority: Topics A-Z: Bisphenol A http://www.efsa.europa.eu/cs/Satellite?c=Key_Topic&childpagename=EFSA%2FKey_Topic%2FDetail&cid=1178710289744&pagename=efsa

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