BPA (Bisphenol A) is a chemical substance that frequently occurs in products that are made of plastic. For instance, BPA is frequently used for the production of packaging materials, plastic bottles and electronics. In addition, BPA is often used as a coating on other materials, e.g. on receipts and on the tin of conserved foodstuffs.
BPA is used as a building block in plastic because it increases the breaking resistance of the material and it has the optic clarity of glass. A disadvantage of BPA is that in several studies in animals it became apparent that it affects the immune system.
BPA can be used
The use of BPA is permitted for products that are in contact with food that is not specifically meant for babies and children. Think about recyclable drinking bottles, bread bins and packaging for meats. Limits do apply to the quantity of BPA that migrates into the food from the packaging. The maximum permitted migration is continuously adjusted downwards. In 2018 this quantity was reduced by 92%.
BPA-free; when can this claim be used?
In 2011 the European Commission prohibited the import of and the trade in feeding bottles with BPA.
Ever since the claim “BPA-free” has been used ever more frequently as a sales argument on highly divergent products on the shelves and in web shops. The strongly increased use of the claim “BPA-free” can be explained from a commercial perspective but the use of this claim is not without obligation from a product compliance perspective.
If you use the claim “BPA-free” on a product then you are held to demonstrate that the product does actually not contain BPA. This can lead to ample delays and considerable unforeseen costs.
Need support?
Do you want to be sure that your product is actually BPA-free and complies with the European and national legislation before your product is available on the market?
Précon Quality Services can help you with this! Contact us without obligation via +31 (0)30 – 4100620
