Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a very popular chemical in manufacturing. One of the many uses of BPA is to make plastic liners that coat the inside of food cans.
Can liners are used to prevent corrosion and preserve the taste of the food, but the presence of BPA may be causing more serious problems. Several studies link BPA exposure—even in very small amounts—to diseases such as infertility, diabetes, obesity, asthma, attention deficit disorder, as well breast and prostate cancer.
For the last few years, companies in the canned food industry have vowed to remove BPA from their can liner formulas, but a new report, titled “Buyer Beware: Toxic BPA & Regrettable Substitutes in the Linings of Canned Food,” suggests action has been slow.
The report, released March 30, and backed by several non-profits, is based on an independent analysis of nearly 200 types of canned food sold in the market today. Researchers found that two-thirds of the cans tested contained BPA, while the rest contained BPA alternatives that may be just as harmful.
