Aug 27 2010 --- As part of its research commitment on bisphenol A (BPA), Health Canada released the results of a new survey of BPA exposure levels in a variety of soft drink and beer products. The results from this latest government survey provide confirmation that foods and beverages packaged in BPA epoxy resin coated metal cans do not pose a health risk.

The survey results clearly indicate that exposure to BPA from the tested beverage products would be extremely low. In the report, Health Canada officials confirmed their previous conclusion “that current dietary exposure to BPA through food packaging uses is not expected to pose a health risk to the general population.” This same finding has been reaffirmed by other international food regulatory agencies in the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, and Australia-New Zealand.

As part of its ongoing research program, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) scientists recently published results from two pharmacokinetic studies. The data from those studies show that BPA is effectively and efficiently metabolized and excreted out of the body. The study authors stated that no age-related effects were seen in the ability to metabolize BPA and that previous studies on postnatal rats would likely over predict any possible effects.

“Health Canada has again confirmed that BPA-based liners in use with food and beverages are safe for use and migrate exceedingly low levels of BPA into their products. Coupled with FDA’s new studies that show that primates, like humans, can quickly metabolize these trace levels and remove them from the body is compelling evidence of BPA’s safety,” stated Dr. John Rost, Chairman of NAMPA.

Canadian government researchers determined that all levels of BPA found in the 38 beer and beverage samples tested were either undetectable or exceedingly low, all below 1 part per billion. NAMPA welcomes the latest Health Canada study, noting that these findings confirm industry’s own research that shows BPA levels in metal-packaged foods are negligible.

The use of BPA in epoxy coatings in metal packaging provides real, important, and measurable health benefits. The coatings allow for heat sterilization of the food, and reduce the potential for the serious and often deadly effects from food-borne illnesses. Despite reports to the contrary, the simple fact is there is no readily available, suitable alternative to BPA-based can coatings that meets the essential safety and performance requirements for the broadest spectrum of foods now packaged in metal containers.