Study Detects BPA Levels In U.S. Foods At 1,000 Times Less Than Acceptable Limit

A new study has detected bisphenol A (BPA) in fresh and canned food as well as food wrapped in plastic packaging at a level that researchers said was nearly 1,000 times lower than the "tolerable daily intake" levels set by the Environmental Protection Agency and European Food Safety Authority.

A new study has detected bisphenol A (BPA) in fresh and canned food as well as food wrapped in plastic packaging at a level that researchers said was nearly 1,000 times lower than the "tolerable daily intake" levels set by the Environmental Protection Agency and European Food Safety Authority. Their report appears online in the American Chemical Society journal, Environmental Science & Technology.

BPA is used in lining metal cans and in polycarbonate plastics such as baby bottles, although some manufacturers are switching to BPA-free products. "In humans, BPA is associated with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and male sexual dysfunction in exposed workers," says the report. "Food is a major exposure source. We know of no studies reporting BPA in U.S. fresh food, canned food, and food in plastic packaging in peer reviewed journals."

To fill that gap in scientific knowledge, the scientists measured BPA levels in 105 human, cat, and dog foods. They detected BPA in 63 of 105 human food samples from grocery stores in Dallas , and present a detailed list of foods, brands, and BPA levels in the text of the study.

The levels were lower than the 50 micrograms per kilogram of body weight standard used by EPA and EFSA and comparable to levels detected in the past. Researchers note that some studies have shown adverse effects associated with exposure to BPA at lower doses. "Further research is indicated to determine BPA levels in U.S. food in larger, representative sampling," the report said.

Food legislation pending in the Senate (S 510) has been stalled for months by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), who is seeking to attach an amendment to the bill that would ban the use of BPA in food packaging. Her amendment is opposed by U.S. food manufacturers.

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