Health Canada Reaffirms Safety of BPA for Use in Metal Food Packaging

(MarketWatch)

North American Metal Packaging Alliance (NAMPA) working with Canadian government and infant formula manufacturers to develop industry code of practice for infant formula

[Friday]'s announcement by Health Canada regarding completion of its assessment of bisphenol A (BPA) offers reassurance to Canadians that the use of this chemical in the production of epoxy resins in metal food and beverage packaging presents no risk to consumers.

In issuing its decision, Health Canada released several proposed "risk management measures" as required elements of Canada's regulatory process, or Chemicals Management Plan, for BPA. Among the steps to be taken is the Canadian government's application of the ALARA principle, or "as low as reasonably achievable" levels, of BPA in infant formula products for newborns and children up to 18 months. While Health Canada clearly acknowledged that exposure to BPA among infants and young children currently is below levels found to show adverse effects in appropriate animal testing, its action was based on a desire to enhance the protection already afforded to this population group. Read more here. Additional information on this subject can be obtained at the NAMPA website.