"EFSA is aware of the studies on bisphenol published in the United States and Canada. The agency will examine whether it should review its opinion on this product, which dates from January 2007," spokeswoman Anne-Laure Gassin said.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that is mainly used in combination with other chemicals to manufacture plastics and resins. BPA is used in polycarbonate, a type of transparent, rigid plastic. Polycarbonate is used to make food containers such as baby bottles. Small amounts of BPA can migrate from polycarbonate plastics or epoxy resin linings into foods and beverages.
The Canadian government announced in April that it was seeking public comment on whether to ban baby bottles made using bisphenol, considered "potentially harmful." BPA is still permitted for use in food contact materials in EU, Japan and the United States. A US government report last month also found that bisphenol A could endanger reproductive health and the nervous system. EFSA is also expected to issue its latest stance on BPA.
EFSA said in its January 2007 risk assessment that a daily intake of 0.05 milligrams of bisphenol A per kilogram of body weight was tolerable, and that this amount was much greater than that ingested by infants in an average day.
EFSA is the keystone of European Union (EU) risk assessment regarding food and feed safety. In close collaboration with national authorities and in open consultation with its stakeholders, it provides independent scientific advice and clear communication on existing and emerging risks.
