Inspection finds all tested infant formulae and foods free of BPA and safe to consume, says Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Mathew Kearney

Mathew Kearney

OTTAWA , May 22, 2013 (press release) – As part of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) routine testing of various food products, a survey released today found that all infant formulae and foods tested for Bisphenol A (BPA) were free from BPA and safe to consume.

BPA in food packaging materials is permitted in Canada. BPA is a chemical used in the production of polycarbonate and epoxy resins. Food and beverage packaging, particularly metal cans, may be internally coated with epoxy resins to protect food from direct contact with metal. BPA can migrate from the epoxy coatings into food, particularly at elevated temperatures (for example, in hot-filled or heat-processed canned foods).

Health Canada has concluded that the current dietary exposure to BPA through food packaging is not expected to pose a health risk to the general population, including newborns and young children. This conclusion has been re-affirmed by other international food regulatory agencies.

The CFIA tested 234 samples of domestic and imported infant formulae and foods for BPA in 2010-2011. The samples included 127 dairy and soy infant formula samples (powdered, ready-to-serve and concentrate), 92 processed, pre-packaged fruit product samples, and 15 fruit juice samples. A variety of food packaging materials were sampled, particularly those expected to have epoxy coatings (including plastic, paperboard coated with waterproof plastic, paperboard cans with metal ends, metal cans, and glass jars with metal lids).

BPA was not detected in any infant formulae or foods sampled in this survey. Therefore, no recalls were required.

This survey provides valuable baseline surveillance data that may be used by Health Canada to update the estimated exposure of the Canadian population to BPA through food consumption.

While there is no established maximum level, tolerance or standard for BPA in foods in Canada, Health Canada has set a provisional tolerable daily intake (pTDI) for BPA of 0.025 mg/kg body weight/day.

When elevated levels of BPA are detected, Health Canada may conduct an assessment to determine if the food poses a health risk. This assessment is based on the contaminant level, the expected frequency of exposure and the contribution to overall diet. The CFIA then determines whether further action is needed, up to and including product seizure and/or recall. If a human health risk is found, a public recall notice is issued immediately.

Further information on this survey is available at 2010-2011 - Bisphenol A in infant formulae and foods.(http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/chemical-residues-microbiology/chemical-residues/bisphenol-a/eng/1369145001923/1369145192697)

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