FDA’s current perspective, based on its most recent safety assessment, is that BPA is safe at the current levels occurring in foods.
For the past two years the FDA have conducted a research program known as Consortium Linking Academic and Regulatory Insights on Bisphenol A Toxicity, or CLARITY-BPA. The program is a joint effort of the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research.
In Feburary 2018 they released the first draft of the report by Dr Stephen Ostroff, the deputy commissioner for foods and veterinary medicine. He stated that “overall, the study found ‘minimal effects’ for the BPA-dosed groups of rodents”. However, one group of mice showed signs of mammary gland tumors and the findings hadn’t been reviewed by outside experts.
This first report will go through a peer-review session on April 26 2018. The public will be allowed to submit comments and attend the meeting. The final report is expected to be released in August, though the final conclusions are predicted to only be released in 2019.
However, the FDA can confirm that current approved uses of BPA in food containers and packaging are safe. The FDA continues to monitor the scientific literature for new research that helps enhance our understanding of BPA and will consider new data as it continues to ensure the safe use of BPA in food packaging.
What is BPA?
BPA stands for Bisphenol A. It is a chemical component found in polycarbonate plastic, commonly used in the manufacture of certain beverage containers and many food and beverage can liners.
Is BPA safe?
Yes.
People are exposed to low levels of BPA because, like many packaging components, very small amounts of BPA may migrate from the food packaging into foods or beverages. Studies pursued by FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) have shown no effects of BPA from low-dose exposure.
For decades, polycarbonate plastic has been safely used to make baby bottles, reusable water bottles, and sippy cups. The safety of these products has been supported by numerous science-based safety evaluations of Bisphenol A (conducted by independent government and scientific bodies worldwide). Evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority and NSF International both provide strong support for the safety of polycarbonate bottles.
How can you tell if a container has BPA?
A resin code of 7 appearing on plastic containers indicates that the container may be made of a BPA-containing plastic. Most containers will be labelled with BPA free if they do not contain any BPA and are not made with polycarbonate. Check the resin symbol on the bottle to know. To learn more about resin and recycle symbols click here.
Some common myths on Polycarbonate bottles can be found by clicking here.