Food Packaging Increases BPA in the Body

If you are a mom you have undoubtedly heard of the term BPA. Almost all baby products have a large label on the front proclaiming to be BPA free. But, what you may not know is that BPA isn't just a concern for baby products.

Many food packaging companies have come under fire recently for BPA in their food containers. BPA is a known endocrine disruptor and has been linked with a number of illnesses including breast cancer.


The Environmental Health Perspectives published a study in March verifying that BPA can be significantly decreased in the body simply by avoiding packaged and canned foods.  The study was a small sample size of 20 people from five families, but had a 66% decrease in BPA levels in the body.  Environmental Health Perspectives: Food Packaging and Bisphenol A and Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate Exposure: Findings from a Dietary Intervention.

Avoiding BPA

There are a number of things you can do to avoid BPA.  Some suggestions include:

• Choose glass, stainless steel, and ceramic over plastic to store food.
• Do not heat food in plastic containers (including coffee -- a glass french press is best).
• Try to stick with fresh food avoiding  pre-packaged and canned food. (Including canned infant formula. If you must use formula, use the powered kind.) One of my favorite organic brands, Muir Glen, is working on BPA free alternative packaging.  Here are a few more BPA free options.
• Avoid disposable water bottles. When choosing a re-usable bottle make sure the aluminum/ stainless bottles are not lined with BPA (Yeah, they do that).
• Don't drink soda.  Yet another reason to avoid it.
• Choose good ole fashioned glass bottles for your baby. Don't worry about them breaking, get a Siliskin. Or, a newer stainless bottle. Make sure you are using a silicone medical grade nipple.

When Using Plastic

If you simply must use plastic, keep these suggestions in mind:

• Buy BPA free plastic when possible. (Rubbermaid has had many BPA free options for years. Music to my ears since we grew up with this stuff. And, their BPA free products are all easily identifiable online.)
• Consider using "plastics" made of non-petroleum based substances like corn or potatoes. (Although these plastics create some controversy of their own.)
• Recycle damaged and worn plastic containers.
• "Avoid #7 plastics, especially for children's food. Plastics with the recycling labels #1, #2 and #4 on the bottom are safer choices and do not contain BPA." via Environmental Working Group. #3 plastic is PVC -- also a nightmare...avoid it.
• Most importantly, if you are unsure about a products safety, choose something else!

If you are clueless, Life Without Plastic is a great place to get started.