Canada has become the first national food safety authority to declare the recognised endocrine disruptor, bisphenol A (BPA) to be toxic. The substance is now registered under the Candian Environmental Protection Act 1999 (CEPA1999) as posing risks to environmental and human health.
“The Government of Canada has a strong record of taking action on Bisphenol A to protect the environment and health of Canadians,” said Environment Minister Jim Prentice. “We are continuing our leadership on this issue and… working hard to monitor and manage Bisphenol A.”
The decision is considered a victory for researchers who have been arguing for caution in the classification of endocrine disruptors, as their molecular activity as pseudo-hormones is contrary to established toxicology standards.
The Canadian decision is expected to be followed by a similar one in Europe, with both Denmark and France considering the evidence for a declaration on BPA toxicity.
The implications for the food processing industry globally are immense, as the product is widely used in plastic packaging used by the industry, from water bottles to flexibles and can liners.
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