EU Commission Proposes Ban of BPA and Other Bisphenols in Food Contact Materials

In a significant move towards enhancing food safety standards within the European Union, the EU Commission has initiated a four-week feedback period regarding the ban of Bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials. This period invites participation from citizens, businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other concerned parties to provide their insights on the proposed Regulation.

The proposed Regulation aims to ban the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in various food contact materials, including plastic and coated packaging. This initiative is based on the scientific opinion of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which highlighted health concerns associated with prevailing exposure levels to BPA. This chemical, commonly employed in food packaging and reusable containers, has been found to migrate into food and beverages in very small amounts. Consequently, the Commission proposes a comprehensive ban on its usage in food contact materials, aligning with its commitment to bolstering food safety measures.

The planned ban is expected to cover a wide range of items, including various food and beverage containers, kitchen utensils, and materials used in professional food preparation environments. Nonetheless, acknowledging the need for industries to adjust, the Commission intends to introduce transitional phases after the ban's implementation. The length of these transition periods will depend on the characteristics of the specific products involved.

After gathering input and holding discussions with member countries, the Commission will move forward to formalise the ban, pending approval. As the feedback process progresses, stakeholders are urged to share their perspectives, facilitating a more inclusive approach to protecting public health and consumer interests, and maintaining the highest standards of food safety throughout the European Union.

More