Is It Really Safe to Keep an Open Can in the Refrigerator?
Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical commonly used in food packaging for shelf-stable products, has been the subject of ongoing research in the field of public health and food safety. This chemical, known for its endocrine-disrupting properties, poses a significant health risk when individuals are exposed to it, particularly from sources like packaging for shelf-stable foods.
Health Risks Identified
Exposure to BPA, especially early in life or prenatally, is linked to increased risks of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer (notably breast cancer)[1][2][3]. Neurocognitive impairments in children have also been associated with prenatal BPA exposure, with effects on emotional control, language, problem-solving, and behavior including hyperactivity and anxiety[4].
Mechanistically, BPA acts as an endocrine disruptor by binding to estrogen, androgen, thyroid, and other hormone receptors, altering hormonal balance, increasing oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, which can contribute to metabolic and reproductive disorders as well as cancer development[3]. Even low-level and chronic exposure to BPA can affect adult health by promoting tumor development and reducing the effectiveness of some cancer therapies[2].
Regulatory and Safety Context
In response to the emerging evidence of BPA's adverse health effects, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) lowered the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of BPA drastically in 2023 to 0.2 ng/kg body weight[5]. Calls for global strategies by researchers urge reducing BPA in consumer food packaging materials, including those used for shelf-stable foods, to mitigate health risks and protect vulnerable populations such as children[1].
Despite restrictions, BPA remains difficult to replace fully in applications like can coatings, which are common in shelf-stable foods. Alternative bisphenols (e.g., BPS, BPAF) may have similar endocrine-disrupting effects, complicating regulatory efforts to ensure packaging safety[5].
USDA and FDA Perspective
While the search results do not include explicit recent statements from the USDA or FDA on BPA and shelf-stable food safety specifically, both agencies historically follow EFSA and other scientific reviews to assess BPA safety. The FDA has expressed concerns about BPA’s safety in food contact materials previously and has encouraged manufacturers to find safer alternatives, especially for products intended for infants and children. Given the updated toxicological evidence and regulatory shifts internationally, it is likely that these agencies acknowledge ongoing health concerns tied to BPA exposure via food packaging and encourage reduced use where feasible.
In summary, exposure to BPA through shelf-stable food packaging presents a recognized health risk mainly due to BPA's endocrine-disrupting activity, which is linked to chronic health conditions starting from childhood and prenatal stages. Regulatory bodies like EFSA have responded with stricter limits, and research calls for further reductions of BPA exposure in food packaging to protect public health[1][3][5]. The USDA and FDA are expected to align with these concerns, although direct recent statements were not found in the current search results.
Additional research on the carcinogenic potential of BPA has been published in Environmental Science and Pollution Research, a publication that focuses on environmental and pollution-related topics, including health risks[6]. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is involved in food safety regulations through the Food Code U.S. Public Health Service, which is likely related to food safety regulations concerning BPA in shelf-stable food packaging.
- To mitigate potential health risks associated with BPA, individuals might consider adopting a lifestyle that prioritizes health-and-wellness, such as opting for food-and-drink products in packaging labeled as BPA-free.
- In response to the growing concern about BPA in the environmental-science community, research is being conducted into alternative materials for food packaging, aiming to improve the overall health and well-being of consumers while reducing the impact on the environment.
