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<BR>Home,Anses,News,Press room,Agenda,Our topics,Food,Animal health and nutrition,Environmental health,Occupational health,Plants,Opinions and publications,Last opinions and reports,Food opinions and reports,Animal health and nutrition opinions and reports,Environmental and occupational health opinions and reports,Plants opinions,Opinions and reports in English,Bulletins and periodicals,Other publications,Subscribe to Anses newsletter,Research and reference,Research program,Laboratories and reference activities, + ,Job opportunities,Public procurement contracts,Our websites,Partners,Extranet / ExpertNet,Kid's area,Legal notice,Contact, ,<BR>Following the publication by the US-NTP (American National Toxicology Program) and the Canadian government of bisphenol A assessment documents, Afssa has joined forces with EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) which recently conducted an assessment of the bisphenol A risk and produced an opinion in January 2007. Continuing its partnership with EFSA, the Agency is now examining the request from the French Ministry of Health on this issue. <BR><BR>Reminder : Questions on bisphenol A<BR><BR>What is bisphenol A?<BR><BR>Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical product generally associated with other chemical products to make plastics and resins. It has been used in the manufacture of these materials for many years now. BPA is also known under its chemical form, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane. <BR><BR>It is used in polycarbonate, a type of rigid, transparent plastic. Polycarbonate is used in many food containers such as recyclable containers, feeding bottles, crockery (plates and cups) and storage containers. BPA residues are also present in epoxy resins used to form a protection layer inside cans and vats of drinks and food. <BR><BR>Like in other countries (the United States, Japan) BPA is authorised in the European Union for use in food contact materials.<BR><BR>What is Europe's standpoint on bisphenol A?<BR><BR>EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) has conducted several assessments on bisphenol A as a substance to be used in food contact materials. In its latest opinion of January 2007, it reassessed effects on reproduction and the endocrine (hormone) system and set a Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) of 0.05 milligram per kilo of body weight for this substance.<BR><BR>What new information has come to light since the last European assessment? <BR><BR>On 14 April 2008, the US-NTP (American National Toxicology Program) published its draft report on bisphenol A, in which it concluded that this substance could have an effect on the development of foetuses and infants. Although data is limited, the effects observed in laboratory animals reportedly reach similar exposure levels to those observed in humans.<BR><BR>On 18 April 2008, the Canadian government published a prior assessment and a document on risk management for bisphenol A. It launched a public consultation to determine if measures should be taken to protect consumer health and the environment, i.e. banning the importation, sale and advertising of polycarbonate feeding bottles that contain bisphenol A. <BR><BR>EFSA has taken account of the US-NTP and Canadian government's draft reports. It is currently examining all the relevant information in these reports to assess if it is likely to modify its recommendations on acceptable levels of bisphenol A. <BR><BR> <BR>Pour en savoir plus<BR><BR>>Article "update on bisphenol A" on EFSA website<BR><BR>Bisphenol A dossier<BR>16 May 2008<BR>News<BR>Highlighted news,Archives,-,Archives of AFSSET news,Archives of AFSSA news,<A HREF='PM9100F1I0.htm'>News</A>
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Following the publication by the US-NTP (American National Toxicology Program) and the Canadian government of bisphenol A assessment documents, Afssa has joined forces with EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) which recently conducted an assessment of the bisphenol A risk and produced an opinion in January 2007. Continuing its partnership with EFSA, the Agency is now examining the request from the French Ministry of Health on this issue.
Reminder : Questions on bisphenol A
What is bisphenol A?
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical product generally associated with other chemical products to make plastics and resins.It has been used in the manufacture of these materials for many years now.BPA is also known under its chemical form, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) propane.
It is used in polycarbonate, a type of rigid, transparent plastic.Polycarbonate is used in many food containers such as recyclable containers, feeding bottles, crockery (plates and cups) and storage containers.BPA residues are also present in epoxy resins used to form a protection layer inside cans and vats of drinks and food.
Like in other countries (the United States, Japan) BPA is authorised in the European Union for use in food contact materials.
What is Europe's standpoint on bisphenol A?
EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) has conducted several assessments on bisphenol A as a substance to be used in food contact materials.In its latest opinion of January 2007, it reassessed effects on reproduction and the endocrine (hormone) system and set a Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) of 0.05 milligram per kilo of body weight for this substance.
What new information has come to light since the last European assessment?
On 14 April 2008, the US-NTP (American National Toxicology Program) published its draft report on bisphenol A, in which it concluded that this substance could have an effect on the development of foetuses and infants.Although data is limited, the effects observed in laboratory animals reportedly reach similar exposure levels to those observed in humans.
On 18 April 2008, the Canadian government published a prior assessment and a document on risk management for bisphenol A. It launched a public consultation to determine if measures should be taken to protect consumer health and the environment, i.e. banning the importation, sale and advertising of polycarbonate feeding bottles that contain bisphenol A.
EFSA has taken account of the US-NTP and Canadian government's draft reports.It is currently examining all the relevant information in these reports to assess if it is likely to modify its recommendations on acceptable levels of bisphenol A.
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