In 2008, I wrote about the safety of plastics and the relationship with Bisphenol A or BPA. I called on consumers to be careful about their choices. This chemical, which has been used for many years in clear plastics and in the lining of cans which store preserved food items, is under the microscope again.

Over the years, research has linked this synthetic-type oestrogen to a myriad of diseases from breast cancers, prostate cancer, diabetes, obesity, attention deficit disorder and abnormalities in the genitals of foetuses. This evidence has caused Canada and some US states to ban containers using this resin.

A recent article in the Consumer Reports Magazine December 2009 (online) confirmed the presence of this chemical in almost all 19 popular brands of soups, juices and beans they tested. The test revealed the presence of the resin also in organic brands and brands labelled as BPA free.

Safe levels of ingestion

Consumers are left in a blur as the debate continues about safe levels of ingestion. While the guideline by the US federal government puts the safe levels at 50 microgram of BPA per kilogram of body weight, many experts are uneasy as this is based on data of the 1980s. More recent and convincing animal and laboratory studies indicate serious health risks from lower levels.

The Environmental Health Perspective Journal published results of a study in its January 2008 issue indicating that BPA was detected in 92.6 per cent of the urine of Americans. This widespread occurrence of BPA starts in early life as this chemical was found in the cans of some liquid baby formula but not the powder, and even in the canned version of a popular children's juice, but not the box.

As scientists continue to debate safe levels of BPA in food containers, the evidence shows that most consumers are consuming this chemical. While consumers wait on their officials to act, they must become proactive with their own health and that of their families. Not all groups are silent as the Breast Cancer Fund of America is calling for a ban of this chemical in foods.

Consumer responsibility

Consumers must continue to be informed.

Those with the responsibility must provide the consumers with credible information so that they can make informed choices.

Consumers must demand safe food and drink.

Consumers must consume more whole foods, where possible.

Consumers must breast-feed their babies.

Look at the type of plastics you use for drinking, eating and microwaving food and avoid #7.

Read it before you eat it; be aware of what you eat and drink.

To use plastics safely use as recommended.

Use the product only for what it was intended.

Do not reuse bottles or microwave trays if they were not made to be reused.

Rosalee M. Brown is a registered dietitian/nutritionist who operates Integrated Nutrition and Health Services; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.