What is BPA?
BPA is a chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It’s found in everything from water bottles to food packaging. But BPA has also been identified as an endocrine disruptor, meaning it can interfere with our hormonal systems. This has raised significant health concerns, particularly regarding its impact on children and pregnant women.
But what makes BPA so problematic?
The main concern is its ability to migrate from food containers into the very food and drinks they hold. This means that BPA can inadvertently become part of your daily diet, posing risks to your health.
For years, BPA has been a focal point of intense health discussions, engaging regulatory bodies, scientists, and consumers in a shared quest for safety. This ongoing dialogue has transformed BPA from a common ingredient in plastics to a substance that is now subject to stringent regulations.
Now, let’s explore the European Union’s regulatory journey with BPA—a path defined by critical milestones and a steadfast commitment to improving food safety standards for all.
European Union’s regulatory journey with BPA
The European Union’s journey to regulate BPA began with a decisive step in 2011, when the European Commission banned its use in the production of polycarbonate infant feeding bottles[1]. This move was crucial in safeguarding the health of infants, who are particularly vulnerable to chemical exposure.
By 2015, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) established a temporary tolerable daily intake (t-TDI) for BPA[2], providing a scientific foundation for future regulatory measures. As concerns about BPA’s health impacts grew, the EU took further action in 2018 by imposing stricter limits. A specific migration limit of 0.05 mg/kg was introduced for varnishes and coatings, and BPA was banned entirely from plastic bottles and packaging intended for babies and children under three years of age[3]. These measures significantly reduced exposure among the most vulnerable populations. In 2020, the EU extended its efforts by banning BPA in thermal paper receipts[4], cutting another avenue of unnecessary exposure.
The most comprehensive action came in 2024, following EFSA’s scientific reassessment that highlighted BPA’s harmful effects on the immune system[5]. On December 31, 2024, the European Commission published Regulation (EU) 2024/3190[6], which prohibited the use of BPA and its salts in all food contact materials—including plastics, varnishes, coatings, and more. This regulation officially came into force on January 20, 2025, marking a pivotal moment in Europe’s commitment to minimizing consumer exposure to harmful chemicals.
A Safer future?
The journey towards safer food contact materials is far from over. As the EU continues to refine its regulatory framework, it’s clear that maintaining safer food contact materials requires ongoing vigilance and rigorous scientific assessment.
The EU’s efforts to eliminate BPA from food contact materials are not just about removing a single harmful substance; they represent a broader commitment to shaping a healthier future for generations to come. As we move forward, let’s continue to push for a safer environment for all.
[1] Commission Directive 2011/8/EU of 28 January 2011 amending Directive 2002/72/EC as regards the restriction of use of Bisphenol A in plastic infant feeding bottles.
[2] Online available from https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press/news/bpa-plan-ready-new-efsa-assessment-2018
[3] Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/213 of 12 February 2018 on the use of bisphenol A in varnishes and coatings intended to come into contact with food and amending Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 as regards the use of that substance in plastic food contact materials.
[4] Online available from https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/sante/items/859180/en#:~:text=In%20January%202011%2C%20the%20use,of%20age%20from%20September%202018.
[5] Online available from https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/news/bisphenol-food-health-risk
[6] Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 of 19 December 2024 on the use of bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenols and bisphenol derivatives with harmonised classification for specific hazardous properties in certain materials and articles intended to come into contact with food, amending Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 and repealing Regulation (EU) 2018/213
