Can makers' BPA problem

Polycarbonate packaging has received most of the attention related to bisphenol A safety. But a story from The Washington Post today puts the spotlight on metal can manufacturers. While plastics processors have alternatives to polycarbonate that they can use to make baby bottles and sport drink containers, according to the Post report, metal can companies are having problems finding alternatives to epoxy liners. "Major U.S. foodmakers are quietly investigating how to rid their containers of Bisphenol A," the story says, but the goal is "taking years to reach, costing millions and proving surprisingly elusive." One person, identified as a source at a major U.S. food company, told Post staff reporter Lyndsey Layton: "We don't have a safe, effective alternative, and that's an unhappy place to be. ... No one wants to talk about that." Organic food company Eden Foods Inc. managed to get one can supplier to switch from epoxy resin to an oleoresin liner, but that cost about 2.2 cents more per can, and didn't work with acidic foods like canned tomatoes. For its part, the North American Metal Packaging Alliance stressed that epoxy-lined cans are safe, and they help protect consumers from serious food-borne illnesses.