On April 26, 2016 the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) announced that it will set up a working group of international experts to evaluate new scientific evidence on the potential effects of bisphenol A (BPA, CAS 80-05-7) on the immune system. EFSA accepted a mandate to do so from the Dutch Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport, Edith Schippers. In March 2016, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) released the second part of its report on BPA (FPF reported). RIVM evaluated new scientific studies showing that BPA, at levels lower than the currently accepted exposure limits in the EU, can harm the immune system of unborn and young children. This can result in a greater probability of developing food intolerances and a higher susceptibility to infectious diseases, RIVM concluded. Therefore, RIVM suggests taking “additional measures at the short term, to further reduce exposure to BPA.”
EFSA’s Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids (CEF Panel) shall issue a statement on the examination of the RIVM report in the next few months. Further, EFSA will reevaluate BPA starting 2017, when the results of the CLARITY-BPA studies by the U.S. National Toxicology Program become available (FPF reported). The reevaluation shall include “all the new scientific evidence not included in EFSA’s previous assessment” and the final scientific opinion is scheduled for completion in 2018.
Read more
EFSA (April 26, 2016). “Bisphenol A immune system safety to be reviewed.”
Agence France-Presse (April 26, 2016). “EU food watchdog to reassess bisphenol A.” Global Post
Henriette Jacobsen (April 27, 2016). “EFSA wants to review the chemical BPA, again.” EurAktiv
David Eldridge (April 27, 2016). “EFSA to carry out another BPA safety review.” Plastics News Europe
Chemical Watch (April 28, 2016). “Efsa to review BPA effects on immune system.”
Emma Stoye (May 3, 2016). “European food safety body to review BPA safety.” Chemistry World
Reference
Bakker, J. et al. (2016). “Bisphenol A: Part 2. Recommendations for risk management.” RIVM (pdf)
