Bisphenol A (BPA)

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that is used primarily in the manufacture of polycarbonate (PC) raw material plastic. PC is a plastic that is often used in mouldings for food packaging; for example in drinks bottles.

BPA however can on rare occasions be found in other plastic materials

What is the concern about BPA?

BPA is a chemical that in sufficient doses can mimic the action of the human hormone oestrogen. This can cause health problems to humans.

When PC is manufactured the BPA content is consumed by the raw material manufacturing process, however small quantities of BPA can migrate from PC plastic over time, or when exposed to excessive heat or conditions outside of normal use.

Many consumers are concerned about exposure to BPA, especially for infants, from this migrating, which has led to some countries already legislating about the levels of BPA in baby bottles.

What have Spectrum Brands done about BPA?

Where possible we have removed polycarbonate (PC) plastic from our manufacturing sites.

All manufacturing sites still producing PC products that come in to contact with food are required to demonstrate that they’re in full compliance with regulatory food contact requirements.

This is supported with test certificates from specialised independent laboratories who test every plastic component that comes into contact with food to ensure that any BPA trace is below the legally accepted level before products are placed on the market. A product will not be sold until we hold test reports that demonstrate full compliance.