EFSA last conducted measurements and calculations on the exposure of the European population to BPA in 2015. This exposure exceeded the current guidance value. This information, however, is outdated, as it dates back to 2015. Since then, many measures have been taken by the European Commission to reduce exposure.
Despite the fact that exposure levels are currently lower than they were in 2015, RIVM does expect exposure to still exceed the guidance value. This is why RIVM is recommending that exposure to BPA be reduced where possible. This can be achieved by banning BPA and replacing it with safe alternatives where necessary or by ensuring that less BPA leaches from products.
Rules for BPA use in products intended for children
A number of European measures have been implemented to reduce the level of exposure to BPA. Previously, the use of plastic pacifiers and bottles accounted for a large percentage of BPA exposure for infants and young children. Since 2011, the use of BPA in packaging materials and bottles used for infant nutrition has been banned. There are also stricter rules in place for its use in chew toys for children under the age of 3.
More stringent standards for BPA use in cash register receipts and food contact materials
The European Commission has requested an opinion from the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) regarding the protection of workers against the risks of the use of BPA, on which basis a more stringent standard for workers may be introduced.
BPA use in cash register receipts has been limited, as a result of which retail staff are exposed to negligible levels of BPA via the skin. BPA is also used in food contact materials. A European ban on the use of BPA in most food contact materials has been passed to reduce exposure. This leads to an accelerated phasing out of the use of BPA.