Did you know that BPA is used in the lining of tin cans as well as plastics that are in baby bottles?
A consumer advocacy group reporting from Washington did an analysis of canned goods and found measurable levels of the chemical additive Bisphenol A (BPA). The findings were among a range of foods including some that were even labeled “BPA free”.
Consumers Union, a nonprofit organization that publishes Consumer Reports recently conducted a survey about BPA. The studies showed that children eating multiple servings of some of the food tested could get doses of BPA “near levels that have caused adverse effects in several animal studies.”
These findings raise the case for banning BPA from use in materials that come in any kind of contact with food and beverages (i.e., canned good linings and baby bottles).
BPA is used as a plastic hardener and a component of epoxy resin. Some studies have linked the chemical to reproductive abnormalities and increased risk of cancer and diabetes.
In 2008, the FDA released a report that found BPA to be safe in food contact materials. But soon after, the agency was charged by critics that its report was very much out-of-date with its studies. The studies were sponsored by the chemical industry!
The Consumers Union did significant testing and in part of their findings found that in a can of Del Monte Fresh Cut Blue Lake Green Beans, (as an example), the amount of BPA levels could cause adverse effects in a small child.
An example of one of those adverse effects would be abnormal reproductive development.
Del Monte is closely following the FDA’s review but has been quoted as saying that BPA “is the best method available on the market today for food preservation.”
Many large retail chains have removed items containing BPA from their store shelves. Earlier this year (2009), six manufacturers of baby bottles agreed to stop selling bottles that contain BPA in the U.S. In Canada, they have also forbidden the use of BPA in baby bottles.
In a recent interview, the Campbell Soup Co. told ABC News, “While the overwhelming weight of scientific evidence clearly supports the safety of BPA, Campbell is currently researching alternatives. To date, no satisfactory alternative has been identified for a broad range of products.”
In the meantime, as consumers, we can all be on alert and look for products that say “BPA free”. Instead of buying canned goods, buy fresh when possible and avoid drinking from plastic bottles and cups.
