HEAL Calls for Ban on BPA in Food Packaging

The Health and Environmental Alliance (HEAL) is calling for a ban on bisphenol A (BPA), after the European Commission continued to discuss the possible ban of the chemical in baby bottles.

EC health and consumer spokesman, Frederic Vincent told foodproductiondaily.com that the Commission wants to introduce a region-wide ban on the use of BPA in baby bottles and that it has initiated meetings with member states over the matter.

"There have been a few meetings with stakeholders and the Commission has the intention to move towards a ban of BPA in baby bottles," he said.

Lisette van Vliet, toxics policy advisor at HEAL, stated that the ban should be for "all food packaging for infants under 3 years old - and it should quickly be extended to all food packaging because, if babies during pregnancy are to be protected, consumption by women of child-bearing age should be avoided."

In late September the European Union's Food Safety Authority (EFSA) announced that it would not reduce or take any action to reduce or ban bisphenol A, a chemical widely used in plastic and food safety applications.

"At present there is no indication of what the opinion of member states will be but we know that two nations, France and Denmark, are already pushing for this," said Vincent.

Jasmin Bird, spokesperson for the PlasticsEurope Polycarbonate/Bisphenol A industry group, expressed surprise at the comments from the EC health and consumer DG in relation to BPA. Indeed, both the US and Europe defended the use of BPA in food packaging. Only France and Denmark have banned the substance completely. Canada has banned BPA in baby bottles.

Related articles:

Supermarkets produce more waste, despite hitting targets | Netto to expand in Europe | Tesco growth slows, still best prospect of big four | Kello

Like this article? Get the RSS feed: