Research Finds BPA in Canned Goods

By Rachel Stockton

An independent study by Consumer Reports has revealed that many canned food items contain bisphenol-A (BPA), a controversial chemical that is a component of epoxy resin; it’s used to manufacture hard plastics. 

Earlier this year, congress introduced legislation banning BPA from baby bottles and sippy cups.
What is BPA?

BPA is a chemical that mimics the female sex hormone estradiol, which is produced by the ovaries and is often prescribed to women who have had hysterectomies, or who have low estrogen levels.  Animal studies showed that in mice, excessive BPA caused hyperactivity, early puberty, abnormal sex behavior, and disruptive reproductive cycles. 

The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control have announced that typical adult exposure to BPA is about 1,000 times below maximum safety limits.

In this latest Consumer Reports study, researchers found the chemical in the lining of certain canned goods, such as tuna, green beans, and vegetable soups.  BPA was also found in canned Nestle’ Juicy Juice.
The researchers found 19 foods sold in containers made BPA; some of those foods actually claimed to be “BPA Free.” 

Margaret Hamburg, the FDA Commissioner, has promised to review the material and make a decision on “how to proceed” by the end of the month.