The Commission has on December 16th 2024 adopted a ban on the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials, due to its potentially harmful health impact. BPA is a chemical substance used in the manufacture of certain plastics and resins.
The substance 4,4′-isopropylidenediphenol (CAS number 80-05-7) (FCM 151), commonly known as bisphenol A (BPA), is used in the manufacture of certain food contact materials and articles. Primarily it is used in the manufacture of epoxy resins that form the basis of varnishes and coatings including those applied to the internal and external surfaces of metal food packaging, such as cans, tins and jar lids, as well as in certain types of plastic including polycarbonate and polysulfide food storage and processing equipment. Due to its diverse chemical properties, BPA may also be used in other materials such as printing inks, adhesives, ion-exchange resins and rubbers that form part of finished food contact articles. BPA can migrate into food from the material or article with which it is in contact, resulting in exposure to BPA for consumers of those foods.
The ban means that BPA will not be allowed in products that come into contact with food or drink, such as the coating on metal cans, reusable plastic drink bottles, water distribution coolers and other kitchenware. The ban follows a positive vote by EU Member States earlier this year, and a scrutiny period by the Council and the European Parliament, and takes into account the latest scientific assessment from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
BPA is already banned in the EU for infant bottles and similar products. For most products, there will be an 18-month phase out period, and very limited exceptions where no alternatives exist, to allow industry time to adapt and avoid disruption in the food chain. The ban also includes other bisphenols (derivatives) that are harmful to the reproductive and endocrine systems.
In 2015, the use of BPA was already prohibited in food contact articles intended to come in contact with food for infants and your children. Based on the updated opinion of EFSA on BPA in 2023, BPA from dietary exposure is considered as a health concern for all population groups.
Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 now will be amended to remove BPA from the list of substances authorized for the use in the manufacture of plastic food contact materials and articles.
Monitoring by business operators and reporting to Member States for the unintentional presence of BPA in recycled paper and board food contact materials and articles should be established at Union level.
Mandatory monitoring and reporting to Member States should also be carried out forfood contact materials and articles for which a derogation from the prohibition of the use of BPA in their manufacture is granted, namely for the synthesis of BADGE for heavy-duty varnishes and coatings and for polysulfide resins for use in filtration membranes.
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