Backgrounder: Actions to Date on Bisphenol A

News Release - Health Canada to host 2010 World Health Organization scientific experts meeting on Bisphenol A

December 2009

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical used to make a hard, clear plastic known as polycarbonate, which is used in many consumer products. Bisphenol A is also found in epoxy resins, which act as a protective lining on the inside of metal-based food and beverage cans.

The Government of Canada is Taking Action

Canada was the first country in the world to take action on bisphenol A, thanks to our Chemicals Management Plan. Under the plan, the Government committed to taking precautionary action by developing regulations under the Hazardous Products Act to prohibit the advertisement, sale and importation of polycarbonate baby bottles that contain bisphenol A. Health Canada also committed to working with the food industry to reduce exposure to BPA from food packaging and to explore alternative packaging materials.

In addition, the Chemicals Management Plan contained a significant research initiative to further investigate potential health effects of BPA and inform risk assessments by better understanding Canadian exposure to this chemical through various sources.

Actions to Date

• In June, 2009, Health Canada published draft regulations that propose the prohibition of polycarbonate baby bottles that contain bisphenol A. The Department is now reviewing the results of the consultation and will be moving forward with regulations on a priority basis.
• Health Canada has initiated numerous research projects to better understand the risks and current exposure of Canadians to BPA. These include:
  • Studies looking at exposure to environmental contaminants during pregnancy and early infancy as well as current levels of BPA in the Canadian population.
  • Studies that will provide information on intake levels of BPA by Canadians to help better understand exposure from day-to-day activities.
  • Studies to better understand the effects of BPA on human health.
• Health Canada has agreed to co-sponsor and host the upcoming World Health Organization expert meeting in October 2010. The meeting will aim to develop guidance for food safety regulators on the potential risks associated with Bisphenol A in food packaging and identify gaps in our existing knowledge.
• Health Canada is monitoring the work of the food industry to implement best practices and codes of practice to reduce the levels of BPA that can be found in infant formula. The Department has also committed to reviewing any submissions for alternative packaging materials in a timely manner to investigate the safety and effectiveness of these alternatives.

More information on  Health Canada's work on Bisphenol A can be found on the Chemicals Management Plan website.