European Food Safety Agency to Review Effects of Bisphenol A

Last year, the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) announced that bisphenol A, chemical, mostly used to coat metal packaging, poses no health risk to consumers. But now, it has said that it will revisit the research on this chemical.

The agency said it was setting up a panel of experts to evaluate new scientific evidence on the effects of bisphenol A (BPA) on the immune system.

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‘The European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) will revisit research on Bisphenol A as more evidence are arising about its adverse effects on fetus and children. ’

The agency is "conducting the review following publication of a report that raises concerns about the effects of BPA on the immune system of fetuses and young children," it said.

The EU agency based its reappraisal on research by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health.

Besides being used for can coatings and plastic tableware, BPA is also commonly used in cashier slips and ATM receipts as well as plastic containers used for microwave cooking or fridge storage.

Bisphenol A Poses No Health Risk
The EU food safety watchdog said that bisphenol A --a chemical used in food can linings and other products-- poses no health risk to consumers.

Some studies have linked it to brain and nervous system problems, reproductive disorders and obesity.

A study in 2013 said it may expose unborn children to breast cancer later in life.

Bisphenol A Substitutes are Dangerous: Study
Bisphenol A is a plastic ingredient banned in some countries over the health fears. Two of the substitutes used for bisphenol are also a source of concern, French researchers warned Thursday.

But in 2015, the EU sparked controversy by declaring that BPA carried no health risk as exposure to the chemical was too low to cause harm.

The substance has been banned for use in baby bottles by the European Union, the United States and Canada, and from all food containers in France.

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The final scientific opinion by the EU on BPA is scheduled for completion in 2018.

Source-AFP