Bisphenol A is a chemical that is mainly used with a combination of other chemicals in the manufacture of plastics and resins. For example, BPA is used in polycarbonate to make food containers, such as returnable beverage bottles, infant feeding (baby) bottles, tableware (plates and mugs) and storage containers. Residues of BPA are also present in epoxy resins used to make protective coatings and linings for food and beverage cans and vats, and can also be used in the production of cash register receipt paper.
The dangers associated with bisphenol A are in large part due to the fact that BPA can migrate in small amounts into food and beverages stored in materials containing the substance. This can cause adverse health effects as BPA is a known endocrine disruptor; these are toxins that interfere with the normal activities of the endocrine system, which regulates hormone levels in the body. Endocrine disruptors are also problematic in terms of environmental pollution.
The restrictions regarding bisphenol A are largely directed at food contact materials; BPA based polycarbonate resins are banned in the EU in infant feeding bottles and sippy cups, whereas in the US, BPA is banned in all recycling and food containers.
Since 2009 the United States began to focus on BPA, this topic caused a global debate. Many countries have to conduct the risk assessment and frequently establish legal limits of BPA. The European Union, the United States, China and other countries are prohibited the use of BPA in children's products which are belong to food contact materials, showed the determination that many countries restrict the use of BPA. In order to adapt to the various regions of BPA related bills, many enterprises have begun the implementation of strict control of BPA. We need to clearly understand the limitations of BPA in different products at different countries.
According to various national laws and regulations, a materials if contains bisphenol can not be used to make baby bottles,.Food contact materials and toys are also limited to use bisphenol A,. So companies should pay attention to the use of bisphenol A in the product of toys and infant supplies, food contact materials. Control the raw material, as far as possible without using polycarbonate (PC) and epoxy resin. In order to timely response, PTS Testing Service remind the relevant companies to pay attention to the latest news, to grasp the rules and regulations.
Regulations
EU Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC
EU Safety of toys EN 71-9
EU Regulation(EU) No 10/2011 for Food Contact Plastic Materials
EU Regulation No 321/2011 Restriction of Use of Bisphenol A in Plastic Infant Feeding Bottle
EN 14372 Cutlery and Feeding Utensils
EN 14350 Child Use and Care Articles—Drinking equipment (feeding bottles, teats and drinking cups)
US FDA 21 CFR 177.1580
CA Prop 65
Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA)
Health Ministry of P.R. China, Notification 15 of 2011
GB 9685 Hygienic Standards For Uses of Additives in Food Containers and Packaging Materials
Other related regulations, directives or standards