EFSA concludes "No consumer health risk from bisphenol A exposure"
Watercoolers Europe have been advised that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published its final scientific opinion on the safety of Bisphenol A (BPA). Using a more refined methodology, the EFSA Expert panel has concluded “BPA poses no health risk to consumers of any age group” (including unborn children, infants, and adolescents) at current exposure levels. Although the opinion reduces the t-TDI (temporary Tolerable Daily Intake) from 50 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day to 4 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day, the EFSA confirms that this reduction is not connected to the emergence of new health concerns about BPA. The EFSA has reduced the t-TDI because the method used to assess the risk from BPA has become more refined than the one used in previous evaluations. However, there is still no cause for concern. In its press release, EFSA notes, “the highest estimates for dietary exposure and for exposure from a combination of sources are three to five times lower than the new TDI.” For further information visit: http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/3978.htm With this latest announcement, Europe joins the United States, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand in determining that BPA is safe for use in food containers. Unfortunately, France suspended the use of BPA in packaging material form 1 January 2015, without waiting for the scientific risk assessment provided by EFSA. The French initiative is an infringement of the existing EU-plastic material regulations and of the Free Trade within European Community. WE, as member of the experts’ group of FDE – FCMAT (FoodDrink Europe – Food Contact Materials) will continue international lobby work and direct communication with EU-Commissions until the situation in France is clarified.
