Why am I being warned about potential exposure to BPA in canned and bottled food and drinks?
- BPA is on the Proposition 65 list because it may harm the developing baby, and it may harm the female reproductive system, including the ovaries and eggs.
- Proposition 65 requires businesses to determine if they must provide a warning about exposure to listed chemicals.
What is BPA?
BPA is a chemical used in linings in some metal food and drink cans, jar lids, and bottle caps. Many manufacturers have removed BPA from their canned food linings. However, some products may still contain BPA and have Proposition 65 warnings for the chemical.
How does exposure to BPA in canned and bottled food and drinks occur?
BPA in linings, lids, and caps is released into food and drinks
People consume food or drinks that contain BPA leached from linings
How can I reduce my exposure to BPA in canned and bottled food and drinks?
- Choose food and drinks that do not have Proposition 65 warnings for BPA, if possible.
- For canned food products such as fruit and vegetables with Proposition 65 warnings for BPA, drain and rinse the contents before eating, if possible. This may reduce the amount of BPA in the food.
- Choose more fresh food and less canned food, if possible.
- Do not heat food or drinks in the can.
For more information:
General Fact Sheets and Resources
- US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
- Biomonitoring California
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) - Government of France
French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) - European Union (EU)
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
Proposition 65
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)- Proposition 65: Background
- Proposition 65: The List of Chemicals
- Proposition 65: Fact Sheets
