Beware BPA in cans and bottles

Image: Environmental Working Group

Was that a bit extreme? Don't know what I'm talking about? Well, let me break this down for you.

The issue of the chemical BPA (bisphenol A) has grabbed the Canadian Federal Government's attention as well as many European countries and several U.S. states for its presence in baby bottles, drinking bottles, and in the lining of cans of soup, soda and vegetables/fruit.

So why do we care about BPA? Well, for one, the chemical has been linked to cancer cells and developmental and reproductive damage in infants. So it's especially dangerous for babies to be in contact with the stuff, especially in baby bottles they may feed from daily. BPA has been banned from baby bottles in Canada since 2008, but that's not the end of the story for this brutal chemical.

Look in your pantry or cupboards and chances are you'll see loads of cans filled with fruits and vegetables. Where is the BPA in cans? You can find it in the lining inside the can (that's right, soaking with your food) to keep the stuff preserved and from the metal leaching into your food. Nice.

While there are mo limits on BPA in cans yet in Canada, we can still do something about this. Try cooking with fresh ingredients, buy food in glass containers and jars and stock up on dried beans if you don't mind the whole soaking business. If you have kids, this issue needs to be a concern to you. For us adults, we should still be trying to limit our contact with this nasty chemical.

Learn more about BPA in bottles and cans from Environmental Working Group: http://www.ewg.org and Canada's own Environmental Defence: http://www.environmentaldefence.ca as well as their Toxic Nation site: http://www.toxicnation.ca.