EU imposes full ban on Bisphenol A (BPA) in food-contact materials
Ban covers all materials in direct contact with food, with an 18-month transitional period and limited sales until July 2027.
The European Union has approved a full ban on the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in all materials and products that come into direct contact with food. The measure targets a wide range of consumer items including plastic dishes, water bottles, snack boxes and can linings.
Scientific assessments by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) were central to the decision, concluding that BPA can migrate from packaging and containers into food and beverages. Regulators describe the substance as an endocrine disruptor that can affect hormonal balance and reproductive health, and may impair immune function across age groups.
As part of the move, the safe daily intake level for BPA has been reduced dramatically — by 20,000 times compared with previous recommendations — reflecting renewed concern about long-term exposure. Monitoring studies cited during the process showed BPA present in around 92% of tested samples, underlining how widespread human exposure has been.
Transition timeline and sales
The ban will enter into force with an 18-month transitional period to give manufacturers time to adapt. Certain reusable items already on the market will be allowed to remain on retail shelves until July 2027 at the latest, after which only BPA-free alternatives should be available.
Manufacturers and retailers are expected to substitute materials and adjust product lines to comply with the new rules. Regulators say the change will affect packaging sectors, producers of kitchenware and suppliers of canned goods, among others.
How to protect yourself at home
- Look for labels that read "BPA free" and prefer products explicitly marketed as BPA-free.
- Replace plastic food containers and water bottles with glass, stainless steel or ceramic alternatives.
- Avoid heating food in plastic containers, since heat increases the migration of chemicals into food.
- Read product labels and choose natural materials for food storage whenever possible.
Photo: press material from the event
