Food firms push to phase out bisphenol A

Abstract

Facing mounting pressure from consumer advocates and environmental activists, Campbell Soup and Del Monte Foods have announced timetables for replacing bisphenol A (BPA)-based coatings in food cans. Epoxy-based coatings, made from the raw materials BPA and epichlorohydrin, have long been favored for the interior lining of food cans because they are flexible, resist corrosion, and don’t alter the flavor of the foods inside. But the possibility that BPA in high enough doses may act as an endocrine disruptor has made its use in food-contact applications controversial. Polycarbonate, also made with BPA, has been phased out of baby bottles, and EPA banned BPA for infant formula cans. Food companies have pledged in recent years to seek alternatives across their product lines. Campbell promised four years ago to phase out BPA-containing coatings. Now the firm says it has delivered about 2 million cans lined instead with acrylic- and polyester-based coatings. The company