What is Bisphenol A (BPA) Testing?

The European Commission has issued a draft regulation concerning BISphenol A (BPA) in food contact varnishes, coatings and plastics. The regulation stipulates that the migration limit of BPA in food contact varnishes and coatings shall not exceed 0.05 mg/kg, and BPA migration shall not be detected in food contact plastics intended for use by infants and young children. Bisphenol A (BPA) has long been a global concern, especially in products for infants and young children. There are declarations prohibiting the addition of bisphenol A (BPA) and banning the presence of bisphenol A (BPA) in prohibited products.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is actually an endocrine disruptor and also a hormone-like substance. It can be confused with the body's own hormones, leading to a variety of health problems, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, childhood obesity, and other reproductive and developmental issues and diseases. The European Union, in particular, imposed limits on the use of bisphenol A (BPA) at an early stage. Recently, the European Union has once again issued a draft regulation targeting bisphenol A (BPA).

Scope of Bisphenol A (BPA) Testing

Plastics or plastic components in consumer products such as baby water bottles, sports equipment, medical and dental devices, eyeglass lenses, CDs/DVDs, and household electronic products are high-risk materials containing BPA.

Requirements for Bisphenol A (BPA) Testing

China

①　GB 13116-91 Hygienic Standard for Polycarbonate Resins Used in Food Containers and Packaging Materials

②　GB 14942-94 Hygienic Standard for Polycarbonate Molded Products Used in Food Containers and Packaging Materials

③　GB/T 5009.99-2003 Analysis Method for Hygienic Standard of Polycarbonate Resins Used in Food Containers and Packaging Materials

China's hygienic standards stipulate that the dissolution of phenol (distilled water, reflux for 6 hours) in polycarbonate resins and molded products shall not exceed 0.05 mg/kg.

European Union

The EU Directive 2002/72/EC stipulates that the migration limit of BPA/Bisphenol A in plastic food contact materials is 3 mg/kg. The European Union uses liquid chromatography to detect the migration of bisphenol A (with a detection limit of 0.2 to 0.7 mg/kg).

United States

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stipulates that BPA/Bisphenol A can be used as a raw material for food contact materials. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, 1993) specifies that the maximum acceptable dose or reference dose is 0.05 mg/kg bw.

Japan

The Food Sanitation Act stipulates that the dissolution limit of BPA/Bisphenol A in polycarbonate food containers is 2.5 mg/kg.