Chloe Zhang
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical component widely added to food plastics. It has been linked to neonatal and infant brain and reproductive harm. While the FDA reassures consumers that the current approved uses of BPA in food containers and packaging are safe, there is growing awareness of the health and environmental pitfalls of plastic. Consumers are advised to avoid scratched and discoloured plastic and to be cautious when storing fatty or oily foods in plastic as chemicals used in plastic are fat-soluble and can leach into food. To identify if a plastic container is BPA-free, check for opacity—if it's opaque, it's likely BPA-free. If it's clear and hard, look for a recycling number; if it's labelled with a 7, it may contain BPA.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| FDA's stance on the safety of BPA | The FDA has performed extensive research and reviewed hundreds of studies about BPA's safety. It continues to monitor the scientific literature and will consider new data as it ensures the safe use of BPA in food packaging. |
| Plastic containers with BPA | Polycarbonate plastics will have a number 7 on them, but they are not the only plastic with this label. Containers labeled as microwave-safe or unbreakable are indicators that they contain BPA. |
| Plastic containers without BPA | Opaque plastics are usually BPA-free. Containers with a label indicating they are handwash only are probably made of acrylic and are BPA-free. |
| Concerns about BPA | Studies have linked BPA to neonatal and infant brain and reproductive harm. |
| Alternatives to plastic containers | Glass, stainless steel, and silicone containers are alternatives to plastic containers. |
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What You'll Learn
Identifying BPA-free plastics
While it is always best to minimise the use of plastic, there are ways to identify BPA-free plastics to reduce your exposure to this chemical.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used to harden plastics and make them shatterproof. It can mimic estrogen in the body and act as an endocrine disruptor, with studies linking it to a range of health issues. Developing bodies, such as those of children and babies, are especially vulnerable to the effects of BPA, so it is essential to be vigilant when choosing plastic products for them.
Firstly, opaque plastics are generally BPA-free, so if you can't see through the plastic, it is likely to be safe. For clear, hard plastics, turn them over and look for a recycling number. Polycarbonate plastics, which contain BPA, will have a number 7 on them, but this number is also used for other types of plastic, so further investigation is needed. If the container is labelled as unbreakable or microwave-safe, it likely contains BPA and should be discarded. Handwash-only plastics are usually made of acrylic and are safe to keep.
Recycling codes can also be used to identify BPA-free plastics. Numbers 3, 6, and 7 indicate the possible presence of BPA, while numbers 1, 2, 4, and 5 generally indicate the absence of BPA. Older plastics without identifying numbers are more likely to contain BPA and should be discarded if you want to avoid it.
It is also important to avoid heating plastics, even those that are BPA-free, as high heat can cause them to break down. Additionally, cut down on canned goods as many are lined with BPA-containing resin. Be mindful of receipts too, as the shiny thermal paper can contain BPA.
While choosing BPA-free options can help reduce your exposure, it is important to remember that even these plastics may contain other chemicals that can leach into your food or water. To be truly safe, it is best to minimise your use of plastic and opt for alternative materials like glass, ceramic, or stainless steel.
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FDA's stance on BPA
The FDA first approved the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in the early 1960s for use in certain food contact materials. In August 2008, the FDA released a draft report that deemed the use of BPA safe in food contact materials. However, in October 2008, a subcommittee of the FDA's science board raised questions about whether the FDA's review had adequately considered the most recent scientific information available.
In 2014, the FDA conducted a four-year review of more than 300 scientific studies by experts specializing in toxicology, analytical chemistry, endocrinology, epidemiology, and other fields. The review did not find any information to prompt a revision of the FDA's safety assessment of BPA in food packaging. The FDA has continued to review emerging data and information regarding the safety of BPA.
In January 2022, the FDA agreed to reconsider the safety of using BPA in food packaging in response to a food additive petition filed by a coalition of physicians, scientists, and public health and environmental organizations. The petition highlighted new evidence suggesting that BPA exposure can lead to harmful effects on children's health, including higher rates of asthma and wheezing in school-age girls. The FDA acknowledged the significance of the risks associated with BPA exposure and committed to requesting public comments on the petition.
The FDA's stance on BPA has evolved over time. Initially, the FDA approved the use of BPA in food contact materials based on the available scientific information. However, as new scientific evidence and studies emerged, the FDA has reevaluated its stance and agreed to reconsider the safety of BPA in food packaging. The FDA's decision-making process considers the latest scientific data, public health concerns, and input from various stakeholders to ensure that the use of BPA in food contact materials is safe for consumers.
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Health concerns linked to BPA
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic compound used in the production of plastics intended for direct contact with food. It is also used in the inner coatings of cans and jar caps, dental materials, healthcare equipment, thermal paper, and toys. Due to its widespread use, BPA can contaminate food, beverages, air, and soil, leading to constant daily exposure for humans.
BPA has been linked to several health concerns, and research suggests that most people over the age of six have measurable amounts of BPA in their urine. Here are some of the specific health concerns associated with BPA exposure:
Endocrine Disorders: BPA has been shown to interact with estrogen receptors and can act as an agonist or antagonist, disrupting the normal functioning of hormones. This interaction with estrogen receptors can lead to female and male infertility, precocious puberty, and hormone-dependent tumors such as breast and prostate cancer.
Reproductive Health: In female mice studies, BPA exposure has been found to reduce fertility by decreasing the hormone estradiol, reducing the number of healthy eggs, and negatively impacting the ability of a fertilized egg to implant in the uterus. BPA exposure may also contribute to endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). In males, BPA can impair reproductive function by binding to androgen receptors.
Metabolic Disorders: BPA exposure has been linked to obesity, metabolic disorders, and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It may also affect metabolism and cancer progression by interacting with specific transcription factors and epigenetic changes.
Cardiovascular Health: The inflammatory effects of BPA have been associated with the development of heart disease and potential impacts on the cardiovascular system.
While the evidence for these health concerns varies, with some studies conducted on mice and others requiring further research, it is generally recommended to limit exposure to BPA. This can be achieved by reducing the use of packaged foods that aren't labeled "BPA-free," eating mostly fresh whole foods, and opting for glass or stainless steel containers instead of plastic ones.
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Alternatives to plastic containers
While some plastic containers are now BPA-free, it is important to note that they may still contain other chemicals that have not been thoroughly tested for safety. Plastic containers can also leach harmful chemicals into your food, especially if they are heated, acidic, or fatty. Therefore, it is a good idea to switch to alternative materials for food storage.
One alternative to plastic containers is glass. Glass containers are free from toxins, safe to use in the microwave, oven, freezer, and dishwasher, and easy to store. They are available in a range of useful sizes and can be found at various price points. Brands like Pyrex, OXO, and Glasslock offer reliable, leakproof, and easy-to-clean glass containers with plastic or glass lids.
Another alternative is stainless steel. Stainless steel containers and water bottles are a safe option for food and drink storage as they are non-toxic and do not leach chemicals. They are durable and can be used for both storage and consumption.
Silicone is another popular alternative to plastic. Silicone bags and containers are non-toxic, BPA-free, and infinitely reusable. Brands like Stasher offer silicone bags in various sizes that are self-sealing and keep food fresh. However, some people have concerns about silicone potentially leaking chemicals into food.
Other alternatives include reusing glass jars, mason jars, and hotel pans for food storage. Beeswax wraps can also be used to cover food and open containers, although they require rewaxing and may not last as long as other options.
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Plastic containers' environmental impact
Plastic food containers can have a significant environmental impact. Plastic is derived from fossil fuels, and it can take over 1,000 years for it to decompose. This means that every plastic container ever thrown away is still intact somewhere on Earth. The issue of plastic waste is global, affecting even remote locations like the top of Mount Everest and the bottom of the Marianas Trench.
The rise in single-use plastics, designed for convenience and one-time use, has contributed to a throw-away society. Worldwide, about 300 million tons of plastic are produced annually, with half of this being single-use. Examples include plastic bottles, grocery bags, product packaging, and coffee cups. These plastics often end up in oceans, harming marine life and potentially human health. Once in the ocean, plastic waste is challenging, if not impossible, to retrieve, especially when it breaks down into microplastics.
Microplastics have been found to contaminate our food supply, with studies detecting their presence in commonly consumed proteins. Plastic food containers, especially when exposed to high temperatures or microwaved, can release large amounts of microplastics into food. This has raised concerns about the potential health risks, as some chemicals in plastics are known endocrine disruptors linked to hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues, and even cancer.
To reduce the environmental impact of plastic containers, individuals can make conscious choices. Reusable alternatives, such as glass or stainless steel containers, are preferred. Avoiding single-use plastics, reusing and repurposing containers, and supporting companies committed to reducing plastic use are all effective strategies. Additionally, refusing overly packaged items, shopping at bulk food stores, and composting food waste can help minimise plastic waste. These collective shifts can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of plastic containers.
While it is challenging to completely avoid plastic containers, being mindful of their usage and disposal can make a difference. It is also important to note that even "BPA-free" containers may still contain other potentially harmful chemicals or leach microplastics, so reducing overall plastic usage is advisable whenever possible.
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Frequently asked questions
You can assume that any opaque plastics are BPA-free. For clear, hard plastics, look for a recycling number. Polycarbonate plastics will have a number 7 on them, but they are not the only plastic with this recycling number, so you will need to investigate further. If it is labelled as microwave-safe, it likely contains BPA. If it has no recycling number and was purchased before July 2012, it probably contains BPA.
No, not all plastic food containers are BPA-free. However, the FDA has stated that the current approved uses of BPA in food containers and packaging are safe.
BPA is a chemical widely added to food plastics that has been linked to neonatal and infant brain and reproductive harm.
Alternatives to plastic containers include glass, stainless steel, and silicone containers.
Yes, there are thousands of compounds found in plastic products across the food chain, and relatively little is known about most of them. Phthalates, for example, are used to make plastic more flexible and have been linked to reproductive dysfunction in animal studies.
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