FSANZ recognises consumers are concerned about the safety of BPA in foods, particularly the safety of food consumed by infants. In response to these concerns, FSANZ has worked with national and international agencies to examine the safety of BPA. FSANZ has assessed the relevant scientific data on BPA and will continue to assess any new published data. The weight of scientific evidence indicates that exposure to BPA in food does not present a significant human health and safety issue at current exposure levels.
FSANZ recently undertook a survey of BPA levels in food and drinks to determine levels of exposure to BPA from packaging materials. The survey found no detectable levels of BPA in infant formula, including infant formula made in BPA containing bottles. These results are consistent with the Australian Competition and consumer Commission (ACCC) report .
The survey did identify very low levels of BPA in a small number of samples, mainly canned foods. The levels found were similar to those found in a recent survey by CHOICE, although the CHOICE survey did find slightly higher levels in three of its samples. Estimates of exposure to BPA from the diet shows that Australians are exposed to very low levels of BPA through the diet, and would need to eat very large amounts of foods and drinks to reach international safety levels established for BPA. This provides assurance that BPA concentrations in food and drinks do not pose a health risk to Australian consumers.
Read the surveillance report (PDF 131 KB)
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