Bisphenol A (BPA) is a toxic chemical contained in plastics used to line aluminum cans and in hard clear polycarbonate plastic containers. Polycarbonate plastics and most cans leach BPA into food and water, and as such represent potential serious health threats to humans. Plastic containers marked on the bottom with PC and/or #7 should be avoided if at all possible. Studies have been conducted that indicate BPA triggers changes to cell formation, breast tissue, prostate tissue, testosterone, the urinary tract and more.

BPA damages human eggs, and creates vulnerability in both genders to hormonal imbalances and cancer. The implications are far-reaching if we are exposed to even relatively low levels of the chemical. Routine exposure to low levels of Bisphenol A can trigger increased risk for breast and prostate cancer, diminished testosterone levels, early onset of puberty, changes in the genital tract, fertility impairment and insulin resistance.
So how do we protect ourselves?
Look for plastics with recycling labels on the bottom #1, #2 and #4. Use glass baby bottles or those labeled BPA-free. Use glass or ceramic to heat food if you use a microwave. And moms with nursing babies should always look for powdered formula or liquid formula in glass bottles. Better yet, let’s commit to breast-feeding our kids!
The quest for BPA-free canned goods is a bit more complicated. Tomatoes are one of the most problematic foods, because of their acidic nature. As of June 2011, Muir Glen Organics was supposedly transitioning to a non-BPA liner for tomatoes, but their press has been pretty vague and the cans are not labeled.

Eden Organics is the most well known safety-conscious manufacturer in the states and has converted to using amber glass jars for their tomatoes. Eden tomatoes are likely the safest of tomato products on the American market. In addition, Eden’s beans and bean products are all in BPA-free cans.
Pomi is an Italian company that has been packaging tomato products in BPA-free tetra pack containers for decades. The tomatoes are not organic, however, so it’s a question of the lesser evil. Tomatoes are currently number 34 out of 53 on the Environmental Working Group’s produce list, with apples at number one being the most heavily sprayed produce, and onions at number 53 being the least heavily sprayed.
Vital Choice, Oregon’s Choice and Trident Seafood all offer fish in BPA-free cans.
Native Forest carries coconut milk, fruits and vegetables in BPA-free cans. Nature’s One carries organic powdered formula. Amy’s Organics is in the process of transitioning to BPA free cans as of March 1, 2012.
Trader Joe’s evidently carries some items in BPA-free cans. These include corn, beans, and some of their fish. It should be noted that all of their soups, stews, tomatoes and other canned veggies are in BPA-lined cans.
What all of this adds up to is yet another reason to eat our food fresh whenever possible. Stay away from GMOs. Grow it yourself when you can, and preserve some in glass jars if you live in cold country and don’t have a year round growing season.
For more information on the side effects of BPA, see my friend David Bruce Leonard’s article Boys Will Be Boys: Or Will They?