The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched a 12-week public consultation on a proposed ban of Bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenols in materials that come into contact with food.

The move aims to reduce public exposure to these chemicals, commonly found in food packaging and household kitchen items, amid ongoing health concerns.

The consultation invites feedback from industry, consumer groups, and the general public on the feasibility, scope, and timing of the proposed ban. Responses will help shape the agency’s final advice to government ministers on whether and how to implement the measure.

Concerns over long-term health impacts

BPA is widely used in coatings, varnishes, and certain plastics, including the linings of cans and refillable water bottles.

Even small amounts of BPA can migrate into food or drinks, and repeated exposure over time has raised worries about potential effects on the endocrine, reproductive, and immune systems.

The FSA’s review of recent scientific evidence concluded that reducing exposure to BPA and structurally similar bisphenols is necessary to safeguard public health.

Dr James Cooper, Deputy Director of Food Policy at the FSA, said the agency wants to minimise potential long-term health risks while considering practical steps for industry compliance.

Scope of the proposed ban

The proposed restrictions would cover all food contact materials containing BPA and related bisphenols. While some bisphenols have not been individually assessed, their chemical similarity to BPA suggests comparable safety concerns.

The consultation seeks input on the types of materials affected, transitional arrangements, and potential timelines for implementation.

Stakeholders are encouraged to provide evidence on alternatives, compliance costs, and technical challenges, enabling the FSA to produce robust recommendations for ministers.

Next steps and public participation

The consultation period will run until 24 December 2025. After the deadline, the FSA will review all submissions and finalise its recommendations, which will inform government decisions on future regulation.

Public and industry feedback is expected to play a key role in shaping the practical approach to restricting BPA and other bisphenols in food packaging, with the overarching goal of reducing chemical exposure in the UK food supply.