The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) re-evaluated Bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials, including the 2015 and 2018 evaluations. The purpose of these studies was to assess the possible risks associated with the consumption of food containing BPA for human health.
The EFSA published a re-evaluation of BPA safety limits in April 2023, significantly reducing the tolerable daily intake (TDI) set in 2015.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used mainly in making polycarbonate plastics, which are used in electronic products like computers and cell phones. Additionally, it is used in food storage containers, water bottles, eyewear, and water supply pipes.
The primary source of human exposure to BPA is food even though air, dust, and water are considered other possible sources of exposure. There are several health risks associated with BPA in foodstuff containers and in the food and drinks they contain.
As a result of the updated scientific evidence, EFSA’s experts established a Tolerable Daily Intake of 0.2 nanograms per kilogram of body weight. This replaces the previous TDI level of 4 micrograms/kilogram of body weight per day. Additionally, EFSA reviews and updates its evaluations whenever new scientific evidence becomes available.
The use of bisphenol A is also restricted by several EU directives and regulations. Due to its reprotoxic and endocrine-disrupting properties, bisphenol A was listed as a Substance of Very High Concern under REACH regulation. Under the Toy Safety Directive, chemicals used in chewable toys by children under 3 years old cannot migrate more than 0.04 mg/l (migration limit). Food contact regulations restrict the use of BPA in plastic containers and bottles intended for babies and children under 3 years of age.
In addition to assisting companies with BPA compliance, ComplianceXL Â provides compliance documentation enabled with a combination of technology and a dedicated supplier engagement team. In addition, we assist customers in maintaining their supplier certificates and declarations to ensure they are up to date as part of their compliance data management plan. We monitor supplier information for accuracy and completeness. We also provide detailed reporting on compliance status to ensure that customers are always up to date on the latest regulations and requirements. Contact us today for more information!
FAQs:
What is the role of EFSA in human health?
EFSA is an independent scientific agency responsible for providing scientific advice and communication on food safety issues within the European Union (EU).
What is TDI?
The TDI or Tolerable Daily Intake is an estimate of the amount of a substance that people can consume daily during their whole life without any major risk to health. TDIs are expressed on a bodyweight basis.
