On Thursday 19 December, the European Commission adopted a regulation banning the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials because of its potentially harmful effects on health.
BPA is a chemical substance used in the manufacture of certain plastics and resins.
The ban means that BPA will not be permitted in products that come into contact with food or drink, such as coatings on metal cans, reusable plastic drinks bottles, water coolers and other kitchenware.
The ban on BPA follows a positive vote by EU Member States earlier this year and takes the opinion of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) into account on its “potentially harmful effects on the immune system” (see EUROPE 13430/5).
See the EFSA opinion: https://aeur.eu/f/evw
BPA is already banned in baby bottles and similar products. For most products covered by the ban, a phasing-out period of 18 months is planned. Very limited exceptions are permitted where there is no alternative solution. The ban covers other harmful bisphenols. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)