BPA In Cans
Foods in #7 plastic containers and the majority of canned foods are exposed to this toxic chemical. Bisphenol-A is a plastic and resin ingredient used to line metal food and drink cans, and it's a main building block for polycarbonate (PC) plastics. Even at low doses, Bisphenol A has been linked to cancer, birth defects, miscarriages, obesity, and insulin resistance, which can lead to Type II diabetes. Refer to the Environmental Working Group report on BPA for more information.
So, what can you do to avoid exposing yourself to this chemical? The EWG report linked above has some suggestions, but here are the top ways you can avoid it:
- Avoid all type #7 (PC) plastics. The most common plastic items of this type are those hard water bottles and some baby bottles. As an alternative, look for stainless steel bottles that are not lined with a plastic coating. Klean Kanteen is a popular brand, and has been tested for leaching.
- If you can buy fresh or bulk food instead of canned items, do. If you can't buy fresh or in bulk, look for food items in glass jars instead of cans or look for products from companies that don't use BPA. Some common brands are listed below along with their answers about whether they use BPA in their cans. If you use a brand that's not listed, please feel free to contact them directly to ask, then share your results here.
- Children are very susceptible to this chemical, so eliminate their exposure to all canned products, especially canned formula.
- Never microwave plastics, and don't wash plastic in the dishwasher. If you use plastic tupperware, consider replacing them with glass storage containers such as Pyrex.
Common Brands of Canned Foods and Company Responses
After all the surge in publicity and hearing from many companys, I come to the conclusion that BPA is used industry wide and unless the company consciously chooses to purchase otherwise, all cans have it. Just about the only company that consciously uses an alternative is Eden Foods (see below). Besides their basic canned beans, they also have canned rice and beans dishes that are great when cooked up with some fresh veggies. Companies that choose glass jars, which is clearly the healthiest, is also a good choice.
Amy's: Not Safe
Company says they DO use BPA.
Bionaturae: Depends
Bionaturae carries tomato paste and strained tomatoes in jars, but the company says they DO use BPA in cans. However, they are researching an alternative.
Eden: Depends
Company says they DO use BPA in tomato cans. However, organic bean cans do NOT contain BPA. Out of all the companies I have heard from, this company seems to really be conscoius about it. Here is what they have to say about their beans:
Are Eden Beans packed in cans with enamel lining that contains bisphenol-A?
No.
Eden Organic Beans are packed in steel cans coated with a baked on
oleoresinous (a natural mixture of an oil and a resin extracted from
various plants, such as pine or balsam fir) c-enamel lining, that does
not contain bisphenol-A. These cans cost 14% more than the industry
standard cans, which do contain bisphenol-A.
Muir Glen: Not Safe
Company says they DO use BPA.
Trader Joe's: Previously this company had claimed to be BPA free. Now they say
"Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention. Realistically,
BPA is
an industry-wide issue for manufacturers putting products in
cans, certain
types of plastic containers, and even products like
Nalgene reusable drinking
bottles.
If you are concerned about BPA it may be best to avoid canned
food.
The matter is the subject of much debate and there's yet to
be
definitive information from the discussions.
As the affected
manufacturing industries respond to the developments,
we'll have a better
sense of what our next steps will be. We appreciate
you feedback. "
Westbrae Natural: Unclear
Company email response says "We do not test our packaging for Bisphenol A."
Santa Barbara Olives - Safe NO BPA
Wolfgang Puck: Not Safe
Company says they DO use BPA.
Progresso NOT SAFE
Lucini Italia Organics has 100% BPA-free foods packed in glass.
http://www.lucini.com
Lindsay Olives, the parent company is Bell-Carter Olive Co. They do use BPA in their cans and they consider it safe and within EU limits,
but their canners are "constantly looking into alternatives".
Today 4/23/08 (a customer) spoke directly to the companies listed below and they
all
said they use BPA as a chemical component in the lining of their
food
cans:
Bush Brothers & Co (known for their Bush's Beans
brand)
Swanson division of Campbells
Campbell's
Libby's, Nestle,
Carnation (different divisions of the same co)
Con Agra (Ex:Rosarita brand
refried beans)
hope this helps.
S&W Organic said they
do have trace amounts of bp-A in their cans.
Thai Kitchen Coconut Milk HAS BPA and defends it. This makes me very sad!
Native Forest Coconut milk says it is testing and concerned and looking into it and will keep us posted. (so not SAFE yet)
( I am looking for an organic coconut milk in glass! Anyone have one they like?
Annie's
(the one with the bunny) is using BPA in the epoxy lining but says
they are
looking into alternatives.
Hansens makers of Blue Sky organic soda,
uses BPA in their soda lining. Although they say the FDA and the Plastic
industry claims its safe for beverages.
Whole Foods/ 365 Label says
"Unfortunately, at this
time, it would be impossible to determine if the can you take home from the
store contains BPA. Cans are part of the commodity market, and from the time
the item is produced in a facility to the time it is pushed through distribution
channels and lands on the shelf, to the time it is purchased, manufacturers may
change suppliers for this commodity item numerous times.
Therefore, our Private
Label products may or may not contain BPA. We do have individuals
working on packaging alternatives and solutions; however, at this time it would
be impossible to track the specific can of
purchase."
This is a people driven list. Please call your favorite companies and ask - let them know you as a consumer wants BPA free food. Send me info and I will post it. I admit to being concerned about what they will replace the BPA with, as it won't be long term tested on humans either. Fresh is best!
