Scientific Opinion on Bisphenol A: evaluation of a study investigating its neurodevelopmental toxicity, review of recent scientific literature on its toxicity and advice on the Danish risk assessment of Bisphenol A

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in the manufacture of plastics, to produce reusable drinking bottles, infant feeding bottles and other food storage containers. EFSA was asked to evaluate a dietary developmental neurotoxicity study in rats (Stump, 2009) and recent scientific literature (2007–2010) in terms of relevance for the risk assessment of BPA. The impact of these studies on the current Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) of 0.05 mg BPA/kg body weight (b.w.)/day as set by EFSA in 2006 was assessed. Advice on the Danish risk assessment underlying the Danish ban of BPA in food contact materials for infants aged 0–3 years is included. Overall, based on this comprehensive evaluation of recent toxicity data, the Panel on food contact materials, enzymes, flavourings and processing aids (CEF) concluded that no new study could be identified, which would call for a revision of the current TDI. This TDI is based on the No-Observed-Adverse-Effect-Level (NOAEL) of 5 mg/kg b.w./day from a multi-generation reproductive toxicity study in rats, and the application of an uncertainty factor of 100. This factor is regarded as conservative based on all information on BPA toxicokinetics. The Panel noted that some studies conducted on developing animals have suggested other BPA-related effects of possible toxicological relevance, in particular biochemical changes in brain, immune-modulatory effects and enhanced susceptibility to breast tumours. These studies had several shortcomings. At present the relevance of these findings for human health cannot be assessed. Should any new relevant data become available in the future, the Panel will reconsider this opinion. A minority opinion is expressed by a Panel member and presented in an Annex to this opinion.