France Implements New BPA Rules; EFSA Announces Forthcoming Scientific Opinion

The French Directorate-General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) has released a guidance document detailing the implementation of new rules that ban the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in all food contact materials in their finished state as of January 1, 2015. The second part of a law that first prohibited BPA in products intended for children younger than age 3, the new rules apparently bar the use of BPA in (i) packaging and articles intended to come into contact with food, and (ii) containers and utensils, including kitchen utensils, tableware and dishes. These rules do not apply to industrial materials and equipment used in the production, processing, storage, or transportation of foodstuffs. See DGCCRF Guidance, December 8, 2014.

In a related development, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has announced that it has finalized a scientific opinion on BPA. Slated for release in January 2015, the opinion will reflect the views that the Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavorings and Processing Aids adopted during its annual plenary meeting. According to a December 12, 2014, news release, “EFSA has carried out an extensive consultation and engaged with national authorities and stakeholders to ensure the widest possible range of scientific views and information have been considered, including similar scientific assessments currently underway at the Member State level.”

Issue 549