EU Bans Bisphenol A in Food Contact Materials to Protect Public Health. Regulation 2024/3190 Marks a Significant Step in Consumer Safety.
On January 20, 2025, the European Union’s Regulation 2024/3190 came into force, officially banning the use of bisphenol A (BPA) and its salts in all food contact materials (FCMs) across the EU. This decisive action follows over two decades of scientific research highlighting BPA’s potential health risks, particularly its role as an endocrine disruptor.
Understanding BPA and Its Applications
BPA is an organic compound extensively used in manufacturing polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. These materials are common in various products, including food and beverage containers, can linings, reusable water bottles, and kitchenware. Due to its widespread use, BPA has been a staple in the food packaging industry for decades.
Health Concerns and Scientific Findings
Scientific studies have shown that BPA can mimic estrogen, potentially disrupting hormonal functions in the human body. In 2023, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) significantly lowered the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of BPA to 0.2 nanograms per kilogram of body weight per day, a 250,000-fold reduction from the previous limit. This adjustment reflects growing concerns over BPA’s effects on the immune system and overall human health.
Scope and Implications of the Ban
Regulation 2024/3190 prohibits the use of BPA and its salts in the manufacture of various FCMs, including plastics, varnishes, coatings, printing inks, adhesives, ion-exchange resins, silicones, and rubbers. The regulation also extends to other hazardous bisphenols and their derivatives classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic to reproduction, or endocrine-disrupting.
Transition Periods for Compliance
To facilitate industry adaptation, the regulation provides transition periods:
- 18 months for single-use food contact articles, allowing them to be placed on the market until July 20, 2026.
- 36 months for specific items, such as single-use articles preserving certain foods and repeat-use articles in professional food production, permitting market placement until January 20, 2028.
Additional allowances enable the sale of existing stock until January 20, 2029, to prevent food waste and supply disruptions.
Environmental Considerations
Beyond human health, BPA poses environmental risks. Wastewater treatment plants often struggle to remove BPA completely, leading to its presence in aquatic ecosystems and potential harm to wildlife. The ban aims to mitigate these environmental impacts by eliminating BPA at the source.
Global Context and Future Outlook
The EU’s comprehensive ban on BPA in FCMs sets a precedent for global food safety standards. While some countries have implemented partial restrictions, the EU’s approach underscores a commitment to precautionary principles in public health and environmental protection. As scientific understanding evolves, similar regulatory measures may emerge worldwide.
