New EU Rules Tighten Bisphenol Packaging Safety Standards
New testing requirements aim to prevent hazardous chemical substitutes from entering the food supply.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Nutrition
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On September 16, 2026, the European Food Safety Authority released new guidance for assessing the safety of bisphenols used as replacements for bisphenol A in food contact materials. This regulatory move aims to prevent the use of hazardous substitutes in food packaging.
Why it matters
Regulators introduced this guidance to prevent regrettable substitution, as many bisphenol alternatives can pose health risks similar to bisphenol A at equal or lower doses. It establishes a rigorous framework to ensure that chemicals intended to replace known toxins are properly evaluated for safety before reaching consumers.
The new guidance mandates specific toxicological testing tiers based on migration levels, including required data on immunotoxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and carcinogenicity. These requirements apply to non-classified bisphenols, though the full impact of these assessments on existing market materials is still emerging.
The players
European Food Safety Authority
The independent agency responsible for scientific advice and communication on risks associated with the food chain in the European Union.
The details
The guidance requires manufacturers to provide detailed toxicokinetic data, including ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) profiles and intrinsic clearance studies, for substances migrating above 0.05 mg/kg. For substances migrating above 5 mg/kg, companies must also provide comprehensive long-term toxicity and carcinogenicity data. To support these assessments, applicants are permitted to use a weight-of-evidence approach that integrates animal studies, non-animal methods, and read-across analysis.
Timeline
April 19, 2023: EFSA re-evaluated the risks associated with bisphenol A.
September 16, 2026: The European Food Safety Authority published the final guidance document.
Health Landscape
This guidance marks a direct extension of the 2023 EFSA re-evaluation of bisphenol A risks by shifting focus to the safety of potential chemical alternatives. It represents an evolution in regulatory strategy to address the risks posed by hazardous substances used in food-contact materials.
This regulatory update strengthens oversight of food packaging chemicals but does not require any immediate changes to your personal diet or food storage habits. It is worth discussing concerns about chemical exposure in food packaging with a physician if you are navigating specific endocrine or reproductive health conditions.
The takeaway
Regulators are cracking down on hazardous bisphenol substitutes to ensure that replacements for BPA do not introduce new health risks. When concerned about packaging safety, look for labels indicating products are free of bisphenols and discuss concerns about food-contact materials with your physician.
Further reading
For more on food safety standards, visit the Nutrition section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Food Packaging Forum.
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