Richard Parks The European Union has implemented a full ban on Bisphenol A (BPA) in all materials that come into contact with food. This regulation, effective January 20, aims to reduce the risks associated with this harmful endocrine disruptor.
BPA Prohibited in Manufacturing of Food-Related Products
Bisphenol A has been commonly used in food containers, water bottles, and can linings. The new ban extends to all materials that might contact food, including plastics, glues, rubbers, varnishes, printing inks, coatings, silicone, and ion exchange resins.
The decision follows years of scientific warnings about BPA’s health risks. “Bisphenol A has been listed under REACH as a substance of very high concern since 2006 for its reproductive toxicity,” said Sandra Jen, Head of the Health and Chemicals Programme at HEAL. “In 2017, it was also recognised for its endocrine-disrupting effects on human health. BPA is linked to serious conditions like breast cancer, diabetes, and neurobehavioral disorders,” she added.
In 2023, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) confirmed that dietary exposure to BPA poses risks for people of all ages. This reinforced the urgency for comprehensive restrictions.
Health Advocates Push for Wider BPA Regulations
While BPA was banned in baby bottles in 2011, the path to broader regulations took over a decade. Scientists and health groups have long urged stricter measures. “Concerns about BPA were raised by scientists more than ten years ago,” explained Jen. “The European Environment Agency highlighted these risks over a decade ago, yet action took time.”
Health advocates now urge the EU to expand the ban to other consumer products, such as toys, where BPA exposure remains a concern. They stress the importance of acting quickly to address the broader use of bisphenols in everyday items.
The ban is seen as a milestone in limiting harmful chemicals, with the EU setting a global example. However, experts agree that further action is needed to regulate related substances and ensure long-term safety.