The company took the decision early in 2014 to phase out the sale of BPA-containing polycarbonate.
The key reasons behind this decision are as follows:
- The USFDA and the European Commission have placed it on their watch list and proscribe a minimum safe daily intake.
- France has banned its use for food contact from 1st January 2015.
- California has listed polycarbonate ingredient BPA as a hazardous chemical to the Proposition 65 list. The base polymer of polycarbonate is BPA.
- Its use for baby bottles has been phased out in most countries
- Evidence indicates that it passes through the body without build-up, but it has binding affinity with estrogen and androgen receptors – it mimics a hormone.
- Research shows some evidence of harmful effects but it is so far inconclusive.
- Palm Products’ view is that it is difficult to assess the long-term effect of small dosages, and that it is not a good idea to pass hormone mimicing substances through one’s body.
- Palm Products’ view is that consumers, retailers and producers should be cautious and not offer BPA containing PC.