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A BPA ban in food contact materials is good news for health – but further restrictions of bisphenols in other consumer products needed 

The European Commission in December 2024 adopted a ban on the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials.     

The ban means that BPA will not be allowed in products that come into contact with food or drink, such as the coating on metal cans, reusable plastic drink bottles, water distribution coolers and other kitchenware. It follows a positive vote by EU member states earlier this year, and a scrutiny period by the Council and the European Parliament and takes into account the latest scientific assessment from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). 

The phase-out period will be between 18 and 36 months. 

The ban in food contact materials will help protect people from these endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), that have also been classified as toxic for reproduction since 2006 under REACH. Exposure to Bisphenol A and other bisphenols is associated with breast cancer, infertility, early puberty, diabetes and obesity, and neurological disorders in children. 

But this restriction focuses on one area where bisphenols are widely used – the work to protect people’s health from the group of chemicals, and in particular children is therefore far from over: 

By spring 2025, the trilogues on the EU Toy Safety Regulation are expected to be completed – already in May 2024, HEAL pointed out how up to date scientific evidence should be reflected in the regulation, to protect children’s health from BPA – which is listed as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) under REACH for its properties—toxic for reproduction and an endocrine disruptor. 

And speaking of REACH – to adequately, fully and widely protect people’s health from the health impacts of exposure to BPA and other bisphenols, they need to be more widely restricted as a group of chemicals under REACH. 

“The restriction of bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenols in most food packaging has been a long-awaited step to reduce people’s exposure to these harmful chemicals. We now also need urgently a ban of bisphenols in toys and a group restriction on the use of bisphenols for all consumer products beyond food contact material to ensure these harmful chemicals will no longer negatively impact people’s health and the environment.”

HEAL Health and Chemicals Programme Lead Sandra Jen 

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