The science is behind us.
The major producers of polycarbonate have firmly taken that stand in defense of bisphenol A (BPA), which has been under attack for about four years for allegedly creating human health problems. BPA is used to make polycarbonate and epoxy linings in cans.
On Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said – at least for now—that it agrees.
The FDA rejected a petition from the Natural Resources Defense Council requesting a ban of BPA from all food and drink packaging. The petitioners did not present compelling scientific evidence to justify new restrictions on BPA, according to the FDA.
Being right (or at least on the right side of government regulators) might not be good enough, however. BPA is no longer used in the US for baby bottles and sippy cups. Campbell Soup is phasing out BPA linings in most soup cans. Some medical design engineers are looking for polycarbonate substitutes, and some are already being announced.
To be sure, use of polycarbonate will continue to grow, but not in food or blood contact applications.
