Amid the recent awakening worldwide related to the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in packaging, Campbell Soup Company CPB announced that it will transition to BPA-free cans for its packaged soups and other products by mid-2017.

Not only Campbell, this wave of abandoning BPA in their products has also hit other manufacturers like the producers of baby bottles.

Recent studies suggest that Bisphenol A, which is used to harden plastics and a component in metal can coating that prevents food from directly contacting metal surfaces, poses health risks including cancer, brain damage and hormonal problems. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is of the view that BPA used in food at the current levels is safe.

Having used the chemical for over 40 years in its packaging, the world’s largest soup maker still considers BPA as the safest packaging option. However, the company started finding alternatives for BPA linings in Feb 2012. Following a thorough testing of various lining alternatives, Campbell has identified acrylic and polyester as the best options, which would ensure safety of foodstuff, along with keeping it affordable and tasty.

In response, the company started using acrylic and polyester in lining for its cans from Mar 2016, and expects to introduce the new linings across its portfolio in North America by 2017. The products that are now being packed in the new BPA-free cans include all its soups and gravies, Swanson broth and SpaghettiOs pasta. Further, the company stated that it expects nearly 75% of its soup portfolio to switch to the BPA-free cans by the end of 2016.

Apart from this, the company is testing alternative lining for its other packaging like the aluminum cans used for V8 beverages and metal screw top lids on glass jars. The company expects to complete the transition of these to non-BPA packaging by mid-2017.

Also, Campbell already uses BPA-free packaging, including cartons, pouches and PET bottles, for a wide range of its products.

 

Source : finance.yahoo.com

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