Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in food packaging such as tins, bottles (including baby bottles until recently), and boxes as well as in dental fillings. Its use has been a concern among food and health officials and governments for several years.
However, the risks – among which the report lists obesity, reproductive problems and, in later life, tumour development – are considered to be 'moderate' while some say the report's findings are at odds with other scientific conclusions.
"The ANSES report runs counter to measured scientific opinion," said Phillip Law,? British Plastics Federation's public and industrial affairs director. " Only last week the USA's Food and Drink Agency said that BPA is safe at the very low levels that occur in some foods. The European Food Standards Authority also says that exposure to BPA from food contact materials poses no risk to human health in their intended applications."
BPA exhibits hormone-like properties and since 2008, several governments have questioned its safety, which prompted some retailers to withdraw polycarbonate products.The EU, Canada, and the US have banned BPA use in baby bottles.
The report also warns that "BPA-free" marked products contain alternative substances of which possible long-term health effects have yet to be fully studied. The ANSES report follows the French parliament's decision in December to ban the use of BPA in baby food packaging this year and all food containers in 2015.
Earlier this month, the European Food Safety Authority announced it will launch a consultation in July on the possible risks to public health on BPA.
