What Does the BPA Label on Food Packaging Mean?

BPA (bisphenol A) is a chemical compound used to make some hard plastic packaging and the inner lining of cans. Under certain conditions, such as high heat, a worn surface, or contact with acidic or fatty food, some BPA has been shown to migrate into food. For this reason, food-safety authorities have introduced regulations that limit the amount of BPA in products.

Which products may contain BPA?

BPA is most commonly found in polycarbonate plastic (recycling code 7) and in the epoxy resin lining the inside of cans. It is generally not found in soft, flexible plastic bags. Hard, clear, and often thick-looking plastic water bottles and food-storage containers are among the products most likely to contain BPA.

When can BPA migrate into food?

The risk of BPA migrating into food increases when packaging is exposed to high heat, such as when microwaved or filled with hot liquid, or when its surface is scratched or worn. Migration is much lower at room temperature from a container with an intact surface. For this reason, heating a BPA-containing container in the microwave or filling it with hot soup is considered riskier than storing cold food in it.

BPA is classified as a compound that can have hormone-like effects in the body. For this reason, reducing exposure is recommended, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding women and infants. Authorities differ: in the United States, current exposure levels are considered safe, while the European Union banned BPA in food contact materials in 2024 because of its potentially harmful effects on the immune system. Some countries had already completely banned BPA in baby bottles.

Products labeled “BPA-free” often use a different bisphenol compound, such as BPS, instead of BPA. Some studies suggest that these alternatives may have similar effects, so a “BPA-free” label alone does not mean a product is free of all chemical risks. Glass, stainless steel, and certified BPA-free plastic products are practical ways to reduce this uncertainty.

How can you check the label?

Look for the number inside the recycling triangle on the bottom of the container. Code 7 represents the “other” plastic category, which may contain BPA. Codes 1, 2, 4, and 5 generally indicate types of plastic that do not contain BPA.

How can you reduce BPA exposure at home?

Instead of heating food in a plastic container in the microwave, transfer it to a glass or ceramic container. Let hot food cool for a few minutes before putting it into a plastic container, and replace scratched or cloudy plastic containers. These steps can noticeably reduce exposure. For canned foods, you can choose products labeled as having a BPA-free lining.

The issue is especially important for baby products. Many manufacturers now use BPA-free materials for baby bottles, pacifiers, and baby-food containers, and a BPA-free label has become nearly standard for these products. Still, check the manufacture date of an old plastic bottle that has been in use in the family for a long time, since it may have been made before these regulations.