NEWS

The European Commission has decided to ban the use of bisphenol A ("BPA", aka 4,4'-Isopropylidendiphenol,aka 2,2-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propan, CAS # 80-05-7) in food contact materials. Due to examinations of EFSA, BPA is said to be potentially harmful to health, as the substance is suspected of being an endocrine disruptor, i.e. disrupting hormonal regulation in the body with potentially negative impact on human growth, organ development, fertility, and the human immune system.
BPA is a bisphenol which has been widely used in the production of certain plastic materials, like e.g. epoxy resins and polycarbonates, up to now. While the use of BPA in polycarbonate-based baby bottles is restricted already, especially epoxy resin-based interior coatings of tin cans, tubes and crown caps are in the focus of the new ban. However, also other functional materials in contact with foodstuffs are concerned.
Base for this ban is the EU-regulation # 2024/3190 (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024R3190&qid=1736757544690), which is already published and will come into force on 20. January 2025. The regulation comprises also other harmful bisphenols and derivatives. For details, especially also on the important transition periods, which are partly significantly longer than usual, it is recommended to study the regulation itself.