A Member State committee has given a positive opinion on a draft proposal to ban the use of bisphenol A and other hazardous bisphenols in certain food-contact materials.
This ban was developed by the Commission following the European Food Safety Agency’s decision in April 2023 to lower the tolerable daily intake of bisphenol A. The decision highlighted a long-term risk for nearly all Europeans due to dietary exposure to bisphenol A.
Bisphenol A is classified as toxic to reproduction in the EU. Once the EU classifies other bisphenols as category one mutagenic, carcinogenic, toxic to reproduction, or endocrine-disrupting for human health, they will also automatically fall under the ban. However, companies can request authorization to use these hazardous bisphenols in specific applications.
The Commission will adopt the ban after a 3-month review period by the European Parliament and Council. For most applications, the ban will come into effect 18 months after publication, and for certain specific uses, it will come into effect 3 years after publication.
The ban has received strong support from health NGOs, a testament to its effectiveness and necessity in protecting public health.
Bisphenol A and other bisphenols are known endocrine disruptors and have been linked to serious health issues such as cancer, infertility, and diabetes.
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