Consumer group urges bisphenol A and phthalate phase out
Choice said there was now enough sound scientific evidence “to raise genuine concerns that BPA and some plasticisers can cause health problems – even at the very low levels to which we are currently exposed”.
The body acknowledged the threat level from these substances was uncertain but questioned the necessity of taking any risk, particularly with young children. It added that continued use of phthalates and BPA was no longer needed as safer alternatives were now available.
The organisation said that plastics as a whole did not present a risk but highlighted two chemicals whose molecules are small enough to migrate from packing into food. It said BPA in polycarbonate bottles and the epoxy linings of food cans was a chemical that industry players should seek to eliminate from their products. The group also raised concerns about plasticisers in PVC, such as phthalates and DEHA (di-(2-ethyhexyl)adipate, used in the manufacture of bottles, cling wrap and the seals for screw-cap jars. It said such plasticisers can make up 40 per cent of the plastic material.
“While these compounds are undoubtedly hazardous at high levels of exposure, scientific opinion is divided over the risk from the much lower levels that we’re exposed to every day in our food,” said a Choice statement. “There is, however, growing scientific evidence that even at these lower levels of exposure, phthalates and BPA may be causing problems such as infertility, obesity, breast cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease and diabetes.”
Consumer advice
When approached by the organisation, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) had restated its position that BPA and phthalates posed no significant health risks at the low levels found in food but said it was planning to review its approach to regulating food packaging materials, Choice said.
And in a move that may cause concern to food manufacturers and packaging companies, Choice provided consumers with a suggested list of foods and packing to avoid – stating there was no need to use “potentially harmful plastics” such as PVC in food contact materials.
Consumers were advised to steer clear of plastics with the identification codes 3 - for PVC -and the catch-all category of 7. Choice also said to avoid fresh meat and vegetables wrapped in cling film
“Most cling wrap sold for domestic use is now made from low density polyethylene (4), which seems to be safe,” said the group. “But supermarkets and many independent butchers and greengrocers are still wrapping meat and fresh vegetables in cling wrap made from PVC.”
