BPA Lining Banned from Most Food Cans

At least 90% of food cans are now BPA free, according to the Can Manufacturers Institute. Robert Budway, president of the institute said, “Can makers and can lining companies take very seriously our responsibility to provide safe, quality packaging that consumers trust. Safety is our number one priority and we’re proud to contribute to a healthy, affordable food supply in a way that reduces food waste and respects the environment.”

Now, acrylic and polyester are the most common linings for food cans. Linings are necessary to maintain food quality, as they prevent cans from corroding and serve as a barrier to bacteria. All new materials are tested and cleared by regulatory agencies before being sold in the market, so consumers can trust the products to be safe.

However, as with any packaging material, trace levels can travel into the food. BPA raised many health concerns because despite being declared safe by the Food and Drug Administration, some research shows that even trace amounts of BPA might negatively affect the reproductive, neurological and immune systems in humans.

There has been a global increase in awareness from consumers and manufacturers about what goes into our bodies and how our actions affect the environment. We can see it in the supermarkets – organic foods, spray-free fruits and vegetables – and in politics too. Cleaner waterways and better soil health are often talked about in the news.

We can see it in product packaging as well. Not only are more and more products advertised as being friendlier for the environment and better for our health, but the retail packaging itself is made with less harmful materials. If you own a food business and want to explore healthier and more eco-friendly options, get in touch with Auckland based branding and packaging specialists Brandhub.