Bisphenol A in food is a health risk: EFSA lowers the Tolerable Daily Intake value of 20,000 times

BPA is a chemical substance used in combination with other chemicals to manufacture certain plastics and resins.

BPA is used for example in polycarbonate plastic, a transparent and rigid type of plastic used to make water dispensers, food storage containers and reusable beverage bottles. The substance is also used to produce epoxy resins found in protective coatings and linings for food and beverage cans and vats.

Chemicals such as BPA used in foodstuff containers can migrate in very small amounts to the food and drinks they contain, so EFSA’s scientists regularly review their safety, considering new data.

Key outcomes

(*) Dietary exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) is a health concern for consumers across all age groups, EFSA’s scientific experts have concluded in a new re-evaluation.

(*) In an extensive assessment of the scientific evidence, and after input from a public consultation, EFSA’s experts identified potentially harmful health effects on the immune system.

(*) The European Commission and national authorities will discuss appropriate regulatory measures to follow up on EFSA’s advice.