Brussels, 01/10/2010 (Agence Europe) - Bisphenol A, a chemical compound used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastic found in such items as reusable drinking bottles, infant feeding bottles and storage containers, and in the lining of some food and drinks cans, banned in Denmark and France, does not present a risk to health, the European Food Safety Authority said on Friday 30 September. This is, however, an opinion that could make waves. The issue is extremely sensitive, with the concerns of the public clashing with the interests of industry. The EFSA opinion follows a comprehensive review of scientific studies which show that the substance is not a threat to health.
The scientists on EFSA's Panel for Food Contact Materials concluded that they could not identify any new evidence which would lead them to revise the current Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) of 0.05 mg/kg body weight set by EFSA in its 2006 opinion and re-confirmed in its 2008 opinion.
The European Commission had requested a further review of the scientific literature in the light of the 800 new studies, with sometimes contradictory conclusions, on the substance. The EFSA opinion will allow the EU to make a decision since two countries, Denmark and France, have already unilaterally banned the manufacture and sale of baby feeding bottles containing Bisphenol A (BPA). The Danish ban is wider, coving all products that contain BPA used for food for children between the ages of 0 and 3. BPA is also banned in Canada, Australia and several US states.
One panel member recommended that the current Tolerable Daily Intake should become a temporary TDI. This scientist did, however, agree with the rest of the panel's general view that these studies could not be used to establish a lower TDI. “Should any new relevant data become available in the future, the panel will reconsider this opinion,” EFSA says.
BEUC calls for ban in Bisphenol A
The European Consumers' organisation (BEUC), which explains that this substance is used as a stabiliser and hardener in plastic materials, is calling for a total ban on Bisphenol A. EFSA “concluded there is no need to lower the current limits”, when Bisphenol A “is known as an endocrine disrupter, a substance which can interfere with the hormonal system, and has a similar effect to that of the female sexual hormone,” BEUC points out. It is concerned because: - EFSA points out that effects reported by some studies deserve further consideration; - the “cocktail effect” of chemicals is not taken into account. For these reasons, “we urge the European Commission to make use of the precautionary principle and ban the use of Bisphenol A from consumer products”. (L.C./transl.rt)