Great Britain To Introduce BPA Ban In Food Contact Materials

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed that a ban on bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogues in food contact materials will be introduced in Great Britain. The decision follows consultation across England, Wales and Scotland and will affect packaging, plastics, coatings, moulds, filtration components, recycling streams and food manufacturing supply chains.

The consultation ran from 2 October to 24 December 2025 and gathered 62 responses from consumers, manufacturers, trade bodies, local authorities and other stakeholders. Food Standards Scotland ran a parallel process in Scotland.

BPA Ban Consultation Shows Broad Support

The consultation sought evidence on health risks, technical feasibility, possible exemptions, transitional periods and alignment with European Union rules. The FSA said the responses will inform final recommendations and future guidance.

BPA is used in some food contact materials, including polycarbonate plastics and epoxy-based coatings. Respondents raised concerns that related substances, including BPS and BPF, may present similar health risks, supporting a wider approach to avoid regrettable substitution.

Food Contact Materials Face Transition Challenges

Industry respondents highlighted significant technical and economic barriers to replacing BPA and related substances. Concerns included increased production costs, new testing and certification needs, supply chain disruption, product shortages and challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Specific applications flagged for flexibility included polycarbonate bottles, chocolate moulds, filtration membranes, large containers and some coatings. Several stakeholders called for targeted derogations where alternatives are not yet viable.

Regulatory Alignment And Derogations

Many respondents supported alignment with EU standards but asked for realistic implementation timelines, clear definitions, detection limits and guidance on transitional stock. Recycling stakeholders also warned that the BPA ban must support circular economy objectives and avoid unfairly penalising recycled materials.

For manufacturers, food businesses, packaging suppliers, retailers, recyclers and testing laboratories, the message is clear: map relevant materials now, confirm supplier data, assess alternatives and prepare for future compliance guidance.