14/04/2010

In connection with news which appeared today on the use of Bisphenol A in the manufacture of food contact materials (especially plastics), the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) has declared that Bisphenol A is a chemical which has been used for many years as a component in the manufacture of polycarbonate (transparent rigid plastic), used in the manufacture of many items, from re-usable drinks bottles, infant feeding bottles and food containers to compact disks. Bisphenol A has been assessed on various occasions by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the EU body charged with the scientific assessment of food contact materials.

In 2006 it calculated that exposure in the most unfavourable circumstances for most at-risk population groups – babies – to be 30% below the tolerable daily intake.

In 2008 it was re-assessed and in July of this year EFSA published a new opinion on the toxicokinetics of Bisphenol A, which contained similar conclusions. In addition, the European Authority has this year begun another assessment, which it is expected to conclude in the next few weeks with the publication of new report.

Given these circumstances and considering the scientific evidence and EFSA recommendations, AESAN, along with the vast majority of Food Safety organisations in EU countries, believes there is no need to take any measures at the moment regarding this substance.

However, AESAN is awaiting the conclusions of the EFSA assessment currently underway, which will be published on its website.