Campbell's to Phase Out BPAs in Soup Cans

Campbell's to Phase Out BPAs in Soup Cans

The people spoke, and Campbell's listened. The Campbell's Soup Company announced that it will begin removing the chemical bisphenonal-A, better known as BPA, from the packaging of their canned products. The decision comes after Campbell's received an overwhelming 70,000 letters from consumers following the results of a Breast Cancer Fund (BCF) test of 12 canned products marketed to children. The test revealed that Campbell's products held the top four spots for the highest levels of BPA.

BPA has come under much scrutiny for mimicking estrogen, which has been linked to increased breast cancer. But cancer is not the only health risk. A study published in the October 2011 issue of Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, indicated that childrens' exposure to the BPA can result in serious developmental and behavioral issues. The study also revealed BPAs consumed by pregnant women can have detrimental effects on their infants by negatively impacting the development of the prostate gland in fetuses. And just yesterday Reuters reported that researchers in the United Kingdom found that BPAs increase the risk of heart disease.

While the FDA had previously stated that levels in our foods were safe, they are taking these and their own studies into consideration, and by March 31 they will decide whether BPAs should be banned from all food and beverage packaging. BPAs have already been banned for use in baby bottles by the European Union and Canada.

 Campbell's is coming out in front of the news as they want to be sure to address consumer concerns. Craig Owens, Campbell's senior vice president and chief financial and administrative officer, told financial analysts on a recent conference call, "The trust we've earned from our consumers for over 140 years is paramount for us."

 Do you think other companies should follow suit? Have you stopped using products with packaging that contains BPAs?