BPA (Bisphenol-A)

BPA is a chemical used to make hard plastics and is found in all sorts of products, from car headlights to food containers such as baby bottles. It's also found in the coating used inside food cans, to stop metal getting into the food.

Is BPA safe?

Independent experts have worked out how much BPA we can consume every day over a lifetime without coming to any harm, and the amount people actually absorb from all food and drink is way below this level. It’s true that very small amounts of BPA can transfer from packaging into food and drinks, but these levels of exposure are not harmful.

BPA in baby bottles

All baby bottles on sale in the UK have undergone strict testing to ensure that they are safe. The bottles are safe if you use them correctly and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Generally, plastic bottles and other containers are safe to use (and reuse) as long as they aren’t damaged or scratched. You can also heat food in plastic containers, either in hot water or in the microwave, if the label says it is OK.

You can buy baby bottles that are BPA free but you shouldn’t be worried if you have been using regular baby bottles and there’s no need to replace old bottles unless they are damaged or scratched.

You might have seen that some countries have banned BPA in baby bottles as a precautionary measure, but from the scientific evidence available we don’t believe this is necessary. Any new information published will be reviewed by experts in the UK and the European Food Safety Authority to make sure we don’t need to change our advice.

Storing food safely

Plastic bottles and other types of plastic food containers are fine if used correctly. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions about food storage and with tinned foods, for example, make sure you don’t reuse it and once a tin has been opened, put any leftover food in a sealable container, in the fridge and use within two days.