French dismiss bisphenol A studies but highlight ‘warning signs’

The French Food Safety Agency (AFSSA) also called for the development of new assessment methods to evaluate the potential effects of the chemical on humans. It recommended that further research be carried out on BPA and listed measures to help minimise exposure to the substance.

The body said flawed methodology in a host of studies on the chemical was the reason behind it being unable to accept their conclusions. AFSSA delivered its assessment after its scientists performed a meta-analysis of the wide body of research examining the effect of BPA on laboratory animals.

“Based on this expert appraisal, AFSSA concluded that the methodology of the studies performed made it impossible to formally interpret their data, calling into question the previous assessments of the health risks of BPA,”​ said a statement from the agency.

Warning signs​

While AFSSA said it could not accept the finding of the studies, it added that “certain subtle effects, especially behavioural effects observed in rat pups following exposure in utero and during the first months of life”, ​justified further scrutiny. It said that it would be working with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and international health agencies to determine “the significance for human health of these warning signs, as well as to inform consumers and to enable public authorities to take appropriate action”.​

The French group urged that a methodology to detect potential toxicity in humans of very low doses be developed rapidly and that more research be carried out into replacement products and endocrine disruptors in general.

AFSSA pledged to bring this issue up to the European level, as “an essential first step toward the intelligent reduction of exposure to BPA”.​

Further recommendations​

In the meantime, the body recommended the collecting of data in France on the presence of BPA in breast milk, infants and infant formula. It also advocated investigating sources of exposure to bisphenol A other than food contact materials - such as household dust, water and contact with polycarbonate objects.

AFSSA cautioned consumers to avoid heating liquid foods to very high temperatures when using baby bottles or polycarbonate containers.

BPA is a chemical used in the manufacture of polycarbonate bottles and in epoxy resin food can linings, in October. It continued use in food contact materials has come under increasing scrutiny. Last week, EFSA announced it would be holding an international summit to provide an update to its opinion.