The Commission adopted on 19 December 2024 a ban on the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials , due to its potentially harmful impact on health.BPA is a chemical used in the manufacturing of certain plastics and resins.
The ban means that BPA will not be allowed in products that come into contact with food or beverages, such as the lining of metal cans, reusable plastic beverage bottles, water coolers and other kitchenware.
The ban follows a favourable vote by EU Member States earlier this year and a period of scrutiny by the Council and the European Parliament, and takes into account the latest scientific assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
In particular, EFSA concluded that BPA has "potentially harmful effects on the immune system".
The proposed ban has also been the subject of a public consultation and extensive discussions with all Member States.
BPA is already banned in the EU for infant bottles and similar products.
For most products there will be a phase-out period of 18 months, with very limited exceptions where no alternatives exist, to allow industry time to adapt and avoid disruption to the food chain.
The ban also concerns other bisphenols harmful to the reproductive and endocrine systems. (Source: https://italy.representation.ec.europa.eu/ )