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The story behind BPA

BPA (Bisphenol A) is a chemical commonly found in products made of plastic. For example, BPA is frequently used in the production of packaging materials, plastic bottles and electronics. Furthermore, BPA is often applied as a coating on other materials, for example on receipts and on the can of preserved foods.

BPA is used as a building block in plastics because it increases the breaking strength of the material and gives it the optical clarity of glass. One disadvantage of BPA is that several studies in animals have shown that it may affect the immune system.

BPA may be used

The use of BPA is permitted for products that come in contact with food not specifically intended for babies and children. These include reusable drinking bottles, bread pails and packaging for meat products, although there are limits on the amount of BPA that migrates from the packaging into the food. The maximum allowable migration is constantly being adjusted downward. In 2018, this amount was reduced by 92%.

BPA-free; when may this claim be used?

In 2011, the European Commission banned the importation and marketing of baby bottles containing BPA.

Since then, the claim "BPA-free" has become increasingly common as a selling point on a wide variety of products on store shelves and in online shops. The greatly increased use of the claim "BPA-free" can be explained from a commercial point of view, but the use of this claim is not optional from a product compliance perspective.

If you use the claim "BPA-free" on a product, you are required to prove that the product actually does not contain BPA. This can cause many delays and significant unforeseen costs.

Need support?

Want to make sure your product is actually BPA-free and complies with European and national legislation before your product is available on the market?

Précon Quality Services can help you with this! Feel free to contact us at 030 - 4100620

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