A metal packaging trade body has expressed fears that the ban on bisphenol A (BPA) in polycarbonate baby bottles could raise doubts on the safety of other food contact materials containing the chemical, said the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA). The food safety watchdog revealed the concerns of the UK metal packaging trade group as it launched a consultation process over the EC's decision to ban BPA in polycarbonate bottles for infants up to 12m old. The FSA has asked for industry, retail & consumer players for their views on draft national regulations to implement the EU Directive to outlaw use of the substance in baby bottles. The Trade Association representing the metal packaging industry that produces internally coated & uncoated cans, ends & closures for food/drink commented that whilst a ban on BPA in polycarbonate infant feeding bottles would not impact directly on metal packaging it would raise doubts on the safety of BPA in the manufacture of food contact materials in general," said the FSA. But the body added the industry group acknowledged that "the indication that the ban would only apply to plastic materials & articles within the scope of the principal Directive & not specifically cover coatings on metals, hence, this would not directly impact on metal packaging manufacturers." On November 30, the EU Commission exclusively told FoodProductionDaily.com that there were no current plans to extend the BPA ban to other food contact materials.
