On October 18, 2008, the Government of Canada published official notice in the Canada Gazette of its intention to declare bisphenol A (BPA) a toxic substance. With this so-called "proposed risk management approach document," Canada becomes the first country to classify BPA, which is widely used in food packaging and hundreds of household items, as toxic. This announcement comes six months after Canada’s health ministry labeled BPA as dangerous, particularly to newborns and infants. The Canadian government reportedly will now move to ban plastic baby bottles containing BPA and will seek to allow the lowest amount of BPA as reasonably achievable in infant formula cans and other food packaging. The government’s announcement has not proposed eliminating BPA in other consumer products. There is a 60-day public comment period on the proposed risk management approach document, from October 18, 2008 to December 17, 2008. Regulations are expected to come into effect in 2009.

Several U.S. states are also considering restricting BPA in certain products. Last week, the attorneys general from Connecticut, New Jersey and Delaware sent letters to several manufacturers of infant products asking that they voluntarily stop using BPA in their baby bottles. Some manufacturers have begun promoting BPA-free baby bottles, while some stores are phasing out baby products which contain BPA.

Click here for link to Canada Gazette proposed risk management approach document.

Click here for link to Health Canada information regarding BPA.

STR offers analytical expertise in bisphenol A content testing. Our hazard prevention program for consumer products includes comprehensive safety testing, audit, inspection as well as responsible sourcing services. For more information, contact us at info@STRQuality.com.

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