Taste Life Blog

What is BPA?

The resin linings of tin cans contain bisphenol-A, a synthetic estrogen that has been linked to ailments ranging from reproductive problems to heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Why are people concerned about BPA?

One reason people may be concerned about BPA is because human exposure to BPA is widespread. The 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found detectable levels of BPA in 93% of 2517 urine samples from people six years and older. The CDC NHANES data are considered representative of exposures in the United States. Another reason for concern, especially for parents, may be because some animal studies report effects in fetuses and newborns exposed to BPA.

Studies show that the BPA in most people’s body exceeds the amount that suppresses sperm production or causes chromosomal damage to the eggs of animals. Dr. Fredrick Vom Saal an endocrinologist at the University of Missouri who studies bisphenol-A, tells us that, “You can get 50 mcg of BPA per liter out of a tomato can, and that’s a level that is going to impact people, particularly the young.”

Tomatoes Unfortunately, acidity (a prominent characteristic of tomatoes) causes BPA to leach into your food. And most tomatoes we buy are in the cans that have been lined with BPA.

The Solution

Choose tomatoes and tomato sauces in glass jars. BPA maybe present in the lining of the jar lids, but exposure is limited if they have been stored upright. The only current product line that is completely BPA-free is Eden Organic and individual products from Wild Planet, Westbrae Natural and Muir Glen have BPA-free packaging.

Look for aseptic “brick” cartons (sometimes called Tetra Packs) because they are BPA-free.

The Challenge

There is there is not industry standard for labeling. Some brands like Eden Foods, proclaim their BPA-free status, while others like Muir Glen, put in small type that is easy to overlook. And house brand like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods use BPA-free cans for some products but don’t label them as such.

Five Ways to Reduce Your Exposure to BPA

1. Reduce your use of canned foods since most cans are lined with BPA-containing resin.
2. Look for products labeled as BPA-free. Some, but not all plastics with recycle codes of 3 or 7 maybe made with BPA.
3. Go back to the basics – avoid the microwave and dishwasher. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, part of the National Institutes of Health, advises against microwaving polycarbonate plastics or putting them in the dishwasher, because the plastic may break down over time and allow BPA to leach into foods.
4. Use glass, or stainless steel or porcelain containers for hot foods and liquids instead of plastic containers. Especially for acidic foods like tomatoes.
5. Use BPA free stainless steel or BPA free water bottles. Avoid plastic bottles with the code of 7 on the bottom.