EU to ban cancer-linked chemical BPA from food packaging by 2026

The European Union has decided to phase out bisphenol A (BPA) from food packaging, a move that will be fully implemented by July 2026. This chemical, widely used in hard, clear plastics and as a lining in food and drink cans to prevent corrosion, has been linked to a range of serious health issues. Scientific studies associate BPA with asthma, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, infertility, and certain types of cancer.

BPA functions as an endocrine disruptor, interfering with the body's hormonal system. Its effects, similar to the female hormone estrogen, have been known since the 1930s. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) significantly lowered the tolerable daily intake of BPA in 2023, citing dietary exposure as a health risk across all age groups. This scientific opinion was a key driver for the new EU regulation.

The new regulation also encompasses other bisphenols, such as BPS and BPF. This broader approach aims to prevent the chemical industry from simply replacing BPA with similar substances that carry comparable health risks. The ban will affect not only single-use packaging but also reusable items like water bottles and food containers, marking a significant step in reducing consumer exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals.