foodconsumer.org: Research Finds BPA in Canned Goods

Research Finds BPA in Canned Goods
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admin on 11/04/2009 23:13:00
 
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.