Canada has declared bisphenol A (BPA) to be toxic. The Canadian Government is now proposing new rules requiring industrial users of the controversial chemical to limit its release into the environment.
Environment Canada says the rules are needed because BPA is persistent, does not degrade in the environment and can be released in sufficiently high amounts to harm fish and other organisms.
European view
The announcement comes just weeks after an expert panel of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) said it can’t identify any new evidence that would lead it to revise the tolerable daily intake for BPA. The panel recently released its review of the chemical, concluding the existing BPA limit of 0.05mg/kg of body weight should remain.
However, panel members were not unanimous. One panel member issued a minority opinion, stating some studies have pointed to uncertainties regarding the adverse health effects of BPA at extremely low levels and recommended that the current tolerable daily intake should be considered temporary only.
The EFSA panel acknowledged recent studies have reported adverse effects on animals, including effects on the immune system and central nervous system. However, it felt these studies had many shortcomings and could not be used to assess the likely health impacts of BPA on humans.
Precautionary approach needed
We’ve previously called for a temporary ban on baby bottles, feeding cups and baby-food packaging containing BPA until more is known about the safety risk this chemical poses for infants. Nothing in the EFSA’s latest opinion has led us to change our mind. We believe a precautionary approach is needed towards the use of this chemical in consumer products.
Demand for BPA-free products has already led major suppliers of baby bottles to announce they’re phasing out the use of this chemical. Wattie’s says it’s also phasing out BPA in its baby-food packaging.
More from consumer.org.nz
- Concern over chemicals in plastic - our May 2010 news report calling for a temporary ban
- Voluntary phase-out of BPA bottles - the July 2010 announcement that major suppliers were phasing out use of BPA
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