Bisphenol A in Canned Food: Consumer Reports Tests Reveal Widespread Contamination

Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical which has been linked to reproductive abnormalities, increased risk of breast and prostate cancers, diabetes, and heart disease, has been restricted in some states and entirely in Canada due to the associated health concerns. Concerns about the chemical in food containers, plastic bottles, and toys have been increasingly discussed and debated over the past few years as the Food and Drug Administration decides what a "safe" level of exposure to BPA might be. This month, Consumer Reports published the results of their latest tests of canned foods, including soups, juice, tuna, and green beans of 19 name-brand foods. Their tests found that almost all contain measurable levels of BPA, including those labeled “organic” and in some foods labeled “BPA-free."

The results are reported in the December 2009 issue of Consumer Reports, available free online.

Read previous Mothering articles which include information about BPA:

Out of the Mouths of Babes by Mary Brune
Canada to Declare BPA Toxic and Ban Baby Bottles
Drink Deeply, From The Safest Container
Sustainable You by Peggy O'