Food contaminants

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical that has been used for very many years mainly in the production of polycarbonates and as a feedstock for epoxy resins, but also in the manufacture of other polymers, etc. ANSES has identified nearly 60 industry sectors in France potentially using this substance. On the basis of its work to study the uses and assess the health effects of BPA, as early as September 2011 the Agency recommended reducing population exposure, in particular by substituting this substance in food contact materials. These recommendations were confirmed by the expert appraisal published by the Agency in 2013. Since 1 January 2015, the use of BPA has been prohibited in the manufacture of food containers (infant feeding bottles, other bottles, cans, etc.). In addition, since 2012, ANSES has examined several dossiers on BPA in the framework of the REACh and CLP Regulations for the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).  

Over the last several years, various espresso-type machines have become available in France and can now be found in many households. ANSES, in a partnership with the French National Consumers Institute (INC), has launched a study to compare the levels of various chemical contaminants in coffee prepared using these machines with those of traditional drip brew coffee. The study shows that these new techniques do not modify the conclusions of previous risk assessments on consumer exposure to chemical contaminants.