On December 19, 2024, the European Commission officially banned BPA in food contact materials, reflecting EFSA’s latest scientific opinion. This decisive action followed years of rigorous analysis and collaboration among international stakeholders, including EFSA, the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR).

The Evolution of Bisphenol A (BPA) Regulation: A Public Health Perspective

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used chemical in the production of plastics and resins, primarily found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. These materials are commonly utilized in products such as water dispensers, food storage containers, reusable beverage bottles, and the protective coatings for food and beverage cans. Despite its utility, BPA has long been scrutinized for its potential to migrate into food and beverages, raising concerns about its effects on human health.

Safety Reviews and Risk Assessments

Given the potential health risks, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has conducted extensive evaluations of BPA over the years. EFSA’s scientists regularly review emerging data to assess the safety of BPA in food contact materials (FCMs). In April 2023, EFSA published a re-evaluation of BPA, significantly reducing the tolerable daily intake (TDI) from 4 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day (µg/kg bw/day) to an even lower threshold. This re-evaluation marked a critical milestone in understanding BPA's impact on public health.

Key Developments in BPA Research and Regulation

The journey to stricter BPA regulation spans nearly two decades, beginning with EFSA’s first risk assessment in 2006. Over the years, numerous milestones have shaped the understanding of BPA:

• 2015: EFSA reduced the TDI to 4 µg/kg bw/day, reflecting growing evidence of potential health risks.
• 2016–2021: EFSA refined its methodologies and held consultations with international experts and stakeholders to evaluate new toxicological data.
• 2023: EFSA’s comprehensive re-evaluation highlighted the risks of BPA, further reducing the TDI.
• 2024: The European Commission’s ban underscored a commitment to safeguarding public health.

Looking Ahead

The ban on BPA in food contact materials represents a significant step toward reducing human exposure to harmful chemicals. It also underscores the importance of continuous scientific research, rigorous safety evaluations, and global collaboration in protecting public health.

Are you a member of the IBE-BVI Group? Click here to request a copy of Commission regulation of 19/12/2024 regarding the BPA ban.