Buzz
While Congress disappoints by not banning BPA in baby products, and the EU takes the lead with its recent ban, it’s worth exploring which companies excel or fall short in minimizing BPA (bisphenol a) exposure.
Eden Foods has been a pioneer in the BPA-free movement since 1999, ensuring all its organic bean products are packed in BPA-free cans.
Several organic brands, including Muir Glen, Amy's, Bionaturae, and S&W Organic, still use BPA in their canned goods. Even Whole Foods, though not exclusively organic, is notable for its continued use of BPA.
Earlier this year, Green Century published a report titled 'Seeking Safer Packaging,' which included a scorecard grading 26 major brands on their BPA policies. Companies like Coca-Cola, Del Monte, Kraft, Unilever, Kroger, Safeway, Supervalu, and Wal-Mart received failing grades. Whole Foods scored a D+ for not actively testing BPA-free alternatives for its private-label cans, despite its commitment to phase out the chemical.
Only three companies achieved the highest grade. According to Green Century:
Hain Celestial* (A), known for brands like Health Valley, Earth's Best, and Westbrae Natural; ConAgra* (A), which includes Chef Boyardee, Hunt's, and Healthy Choice; and H.J. Heinz* (A) are the top performers in this report. These companies have begun using BPA-free linings for select products, committed to eliminating the chemical from all packaging, and established timelines to complete this transition.
Several 'sustainable seafood' brands have pledged to go BPA-free. While Trader Joe's has eliminated BPA from items like canned corn, beans, and certain meats, most of its other canned products, including tomatoes, soups, chili, stews, and tomato-based sauces, likely still contain BPA.
Given that exposure levels to BPA matter and canned goods (along with receipts) are major sources, it’s wise to choose brands with clear BPA policies and transparency about their products. For items with unclear details, consider cooking more with fresh ingredients instead of relying on canned alternatives.
