EFSA explains the Safety of Bisphenol A

BPA is a chemical compound used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastic food contact materials such as re-usable plastic tableware and can coatings (mainly as protective linings). Another widespread application of BPA is in thermal paper commonly used for till/cash register receipts.

EFSA’s expert Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids (CEF) decided that the publication of new scientific research on BPA in recent years meant a full re-evaluation of the chemical was necessary.

EFSA’s experts estimated the exposure to BPA from dietary and non-dietary sources, and assessed the human health risks posed by exposure to BPA. The resulting risk assessment was published in January 2015 in the CEF Panel’s
“Scientific Opinion on the risks to public health related to the presence of bisphenol A (BPA) in foodstuffs”.