Activism Works: Campbell’s Drops BPA in Response to Health Activism, Outrage
After their products were confirmed to have some of the highest BPA levels among canned foods tested in independent research, consumers have been calling upon Campbell’s to stop using bisphenol A (BPA) in their popular canned soups. Linked to breast cancer in over 130 studies as well as diabetes, hardening of the arteries, and depression, BPA is comprising the health of many. Despite this scientific evidence, Campbell’s and some stubborn public health organizations still continue to assert that BPA is completely safety. Nonetheless, the company is making the move in response to the powerful concerns raised by consumers and health advocates alike, representing a major victory and highlighting the power of vital health activism.
The news comes just after it was announced that the FDA may soon ban the usage of BPA within the United States. With the final decision coming by March 31, the agency said that it is actually considering a ban on BPA usage in all food packaging. It is not yet certain if the FDA will follow through with the decision, as it took the organization 41 months to even respond to the original petition calling for the ban. In fact, the FDA says that the potential U.S. ban of BPA originally dates back to a 2008 lawsuit filed against the FDA by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
After not answering for an absurd number of months despite regulations requiring the agency to respond after a 180 day maximum time period, court intervention brought upon by the NRDC has finally forced the agency to answer. Now, the final notice will be known at the end of the month. The report comes at a time where many nations are taking action against BPA, with France banning the use of BPA in all food packaging back in February.
Many other countries besides France have already taken direct action against BPA to protect the health of citizens:
- The European Union, Turkey, and other nations banned BPA from baby bottles as far back as 2008.
- In 2007, Canada took a stand against BPA and banned it from baby bottles
- Denmark has banned BPA in baby food products.
- Japan has taken action against using BPA in can linings.
 | Natural Society staff contribution |
Eden Organic and Native Forest do not use BPA. However,…..cans with acidic foods like tomatoes still have BPA (even with those brands because the FDA has ONLY approved bpa as a can lining for acidic products at this point, which is why they are so reluctant to ban it. Buy tomato sauce, pineapple, etc only in glass jars for now.
Next is MSG, after that fluoride, then aspartame.
Thank you and congratulations to the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC). This is major good news. Please let us know WHEN exactly the old junk will be taken off the shelves and the new product containers will be in use.
Are there any branks of canned food products in the USA that do not have BPA. If so what brands?