This Regulation establishes new rules on the use of bisphenol A (BPA) and other bisphenols in materials and articles intended for contact with food. It introduces a general prohibition on the use of BPA and its salts in food contact materials, with very limited exceptions.The Regulation’s structure includes 14 articles and 3 annexes covering definitions, prohibitions, authorization procedures, compliance verification, and transitional provisions. It amends existing Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on plastic materials and repeals Regulation (EU) 2018/213.Key provisions include:
- General prohibition of BPA use in food contact materials with limited derogations for specific applications like polysulfone filtration membranes and large capacity tanks over 1000 liters
- Prohibition of hazardous bisphenols and bisphenol derivatives unless specifically authorized
- New requirements for declarations of compliance and verification procedures
- Transitional periods of 18-36 months for different types of food contact materials to allow industry adaptation
- Special provisions for repeat-use articles and professional food production equipment
- Requirements for large businesses to report on development of alternatives to BPA
The Regulation introduces strict controls on bisphenols in food contact materials based on updated scientific evidence about their health impacts, particularly regarding BPA’s effects on the immune system. It aims to minimize consumer exposure while allowing time for industry transition to alternatives.
