BPA in food packaging

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a chemical used in the manufacture of certain plastics and resins, including food contact materials (FCMs) like refillable drinks bottles, food storage containers, kitchenware, and protective coatings inside metal food and drink cans.

BPA can migrate into food from these materials, especially when heated, in contact with acidic or fatty foods, or over prolonged storage, potentially raising exposure levels above safe limits.

BPA and health risks

BPA is classed as an 'endocrine disrupter' - a substance that may interact with human hormone systems. Because of its potential to harm reproductive and endocrine health, BPA was previously subject to specific migration limits as an authorised substance for food contact plastics under EU Regulation 10/2011, and its use was subsequently banned from baby bottles, cups and beakers, and packaging for infant formula and baby food.

Full ban on the use and trade of Bisphenol A

From 20 January 2025, Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 prohibits the use and trade of BPA, its salts, analogues and derivatives in all food contact materials (FCMs) across the EU.

The ban applies to the use of BPA (and other harmful bisphenols) in the manufacture of the following groups of FCMs and articles:

• adhesives
• rubbers
• ion-exchange resins
• plastics
• printing inks
• silicones
• varnishes and coatings

Limited allowances exist where no safe alternatives are available, such as specific plastic filtration membranes for microbiological safety. These remain under review.

For most products, there is an 18-month transition period to allow the industry to adapt and avoid disruptions to the food chain. Read about the EU ban on BPA in food contact materials and its related transitional provisions.

Northern Ireland position

Under the Windsor Framework, the EU ban on BPA and similar bisphenols applies in Northern Ireland.

If your business handles food packaging and FCMs, you should audit your supply chain and secure updated declarations of compliance from suppliers confirming no BPA or analogues in FCMs post-ban. You should also seek to phase out legacy stock in line with the regulation’s transitional periods.

Rest of the UK position

For Great Britain, the Food Standards Agency proposed a similar ban, which was under consultation until December 2025. If proposed legislation is passed, it should ensure consistency across the UK market and align GB with EU regulations. Until then, BPA remains authorised in plastics (other than in infant feeding articles) in Great Britain, with a specific migration limit of 0.05 mg/kg.

The FSA's Food Contact Materials Team can provide more information about the safety of BPA used in the food industry. You can contact them by email at FCM-BPA@food.gov.uk.