Statement

ACC Comments on the Importance of Food Safety

Can Linings Made with BPA Help to Protect Food Supply

The following statement can be attributed to Steven G. Hentges, Ph.D., of the Polycarbonate/BPA Global Group of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) in response to the paper from the National Workgroup for Safe Markets, entitled: “No Silver Lining: An Investigation into Bisphenol A in Canned Foods.”

ARLINGTON, VA (May 18, 2010) – “The American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) members develop, test and obtain regulatory approval for a variety of food contact materials used in products that help keep food safe and fresh.  Epoxy resins made with the use of bisphenol A (BPA) are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to line food and beverage cans in order to help prevent corrosion, contamination and food spoilage, and to provide an extended shelf life—sometimes two years or more.  Epoxy resins made with the use of BPA have been used for decades, and BPA is itself one of the most thoroughly tested chemicals in commerce today.

“It is extremely important that government decisions be based on the best science to ensure efficient use of limited government resources, allow safe use of chemicals in beneficial applications, and protect public health.  Recent reviews of the science have continued to support the safe use of BPA in food contact applications.  In January, 2010, FDA weighed in on BPA, noting that additional studies on BPA are underway.  Principal deputy commissioner Joshua Sharfstein stated, ‘If we thought it was unsafe, we would be taking strong regulatory action.’ Other global regulatory bodies—including the European Food Safety Authority and Health Canada—have recently completed scientific evaluations and found BPA safe in food-contact products, including canned foods and beverages.

ACC’s member companies that produce BPA remain committed to openly and transparently sharing with the government and the public relevant environmental, health and safety data on BPA.”

ACC's Polycarbonate/BPA Global Group | FactsAboutBPA.org | Bisphenol-A.org