From today, the Commission invites citizens, businesses, NGOs and other interested parties to give their feedback on a Regulation to ban the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials. This includes plastic and coated packaging, but also other types of products such as food processing equipment.

This proposal is a follow-up to a scientific assessment published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) which concluded that there are health concerns associated with current exposure levels to BPA, notably on the immune system, for consumers across all age groups.

Chemicals such as BPA used in food packaging and reusable containers can migrate into food and beverages in very small amounts. The Commission is consequently proposing a comprehensive ban on the use of BPA in food contact materials.

This follows a ban six years ago of BPA in drinking bottles and containers for infants and children, as well as its use in other consumer products including thermal [receipt] paper.

The proposed ban will apply in particular to food and drink cans but also to kitchenware, tableware and food contact articles used in professional food production.

Once agreed with Member States, and adopted by the Commission, certain transitional periods will apply after the ban enters into force, to give industry time to adapt.

The length of these transitional periods will depend on the product. The feedback mechanism will be followed by a discussion and a vote by Member States.