Heinz Australia said it plans to phase out use of bisphenol A (BPA) in all its baby food packaging in response to mounting consumer fears over the substance. A spokesman from the companys UK and Ireland division also confirmed the firm was committed to finding BPA alternatives despite assurances from official bodies that the chemical posed no health risks. In its announcement today, Heinz Australia said it would prioritise canned baby foods followed by metal closures on jars. BPA is found in the epoxy lining of food cans and in seals on food jar closures. Concerns have been raised about migration of the chemical from these coatings into foods. "We expect BPA-free cans for baby food to be available within 12 months, with metal closures on glass jars to follow", Heinz Australia corporate affairs manager Jessica Ramsden said.
