FDA to re-evaluate the safety of BPA in food contact materials

On June 2, 2022, the U.
S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) agreed to re-examine the safety of bisphenol A (BPA) in polycarbonate plastics, metal can coatings, and other materials that come into contact with food, which may be stringent Laying the groundwork for a new standard to limit the use of BPA in food contact materials
.

Wide application of BPA

BPA is a chemical component in polycarbonate plastic that makes plastic bottles transparent and tough, and is commonly used in the manufacture of certain beverage containers as well as the lining of food and beverage cans
.
In canning applications, applying a BPA-containing coating to the inner surface of the can prevents corrosion of the can and migration of metal into the food
.

The FDA first approved BPA for use in food contact materials in the early 1960s
.
With the release of some research data, the public has raised concerns about the safety of BPA
.
Since 2008, the FDA has organized experts in toxicology, analytical chemistry, endocrinology, epidemiology and many other fields to complete a review of more than 300 scientific studies and found that the use of BPA in food contact materials is still safe
.

FDA responds to BPA safety review

The FDA's decision to re-examine the safety of BPA in food contact articles is in response to a Food Additive Petition (FAP) submission by civil society organizations
.
The FAP application from a civil society asked the FDA to "revoke the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in adhesives and coatings, and strictly limit the migration of substances from various plastic food contact products into food
.
" Decision by October 31, 2022
.