The first peer-reviewed study to look at bisphenol A in US fresh food, canned food & food in plastic packaging was recently published, adding some solid science to a discussion that has become increasingly emotional. The study, published online in J Env Sci & Techn, measured BPA levels in 105 fresh & canned foods & foods sold in plastic packaging, as well as in cat & dog foods in cans & plastic packaging. BPA was detected in 63 samples, all of which were collected from food found in Dallas, TX grocery stores March/10. Of all the positive samples, however, only Del Monte fresh cut canned green beans & Progresso Light Homestyle Veg & Rice Soup contained BPA levels high enough to be of concern based on consumption estimates. "These levels exceed the temporary [Total Daily Intake] proposed by the EC Scient Com on Food Safety, but are lower than the US EPA & EFSA reference dose/TDI," explains the report. According to the study's authors, the levels found were comparable to those reported in studies conducted in other countries, but further research & a larger sample size is needed to draw broader conclusions about BPA's presence in the U.S. food supply.
