The EU bans BPA in food contact materials

Bisphenol-A (BPA) ban for Food Contact Materials and Articles

On 31 December 2024, the EU introduced a new law, Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/3190, which establishes rules on the use of Bisphenol-A (BPA) and related substances in certain food contact materials and products due to safety concerns. This regulation also updates the existing rules on food contact plastics (Regulation (EU) 10/2011) and replaces the earlier Regulation (EU) 2018/213, which controlled the use of BPA in varnishes and coatings. The regulation comes into force on 20 January 2025, with a transition period until 20 July 2026 for products that do comply with existing restrictions.

BPA and its salts are prohibited in the manufacture of food contact materials (FCMs) and articles, except for a few applications specified in Annex II of the new regulation.

What is Bisphenol-A (BPA)?

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical commonly used in the production of plastics and epoxy resins. It is an industrial compound first synthesised in the late 19th century and has been widely used since the 1950s. BPA is valued for its ability to make plastics strong, lightweight, and durable.

Safety concerns about BPA

Too much BPA can harm your health, affecting your immune system, metabolism, nervous system, hormones, reproduction, and even the development of an unborn baby’s nervous system. Because of these risks, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has drastically lowered the safe daily limit for BPA to just 0.2 nanograms per kilogram of body weight per day - 20,000 times less than before. Research shows that even tiny amounts of BPA can damage the immune system. Worryingly, most people are exposed to BPA levels higher than this new limit, which raises serious health concerns.

Where is BPA used?

BPA is primarily found in the following products:

Polycarbonate Plastics:

• Water bottles
• Sports equipment
• Food storage containers
• Safety glasses

Epoxy Resins:

• Food cans (inner linings)
• Beverage cans
• Jar lids
• Bottle tops
• Industrial equipment to prevent corrosion

Other Consumer Goods:

• Electronics
• Household appliances
• Eyeglass lenses

More details can be found in the news article from the European Commission.