In recent years, the Bisphenol A (BPA) has generated a lot of controversy, especially regarding its presence in products that come into contact with food. To help clarify this issue and dispel myths, let's explore what BPA is, where it is found, and how it affects food safety.
What is Bisphenol A (BPA)?
O Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a chemical used in the manufacture of polycarbonate and some metal packaging coatings. Polycarbonate is a plastic known for its high transparency e thermal resistance and mechanical, being used in items such as baby bottles and returnable bottles. BPA can also be found in epoxy varnishes, used to coat metal food packaging.
BPA and Health
ANVISA prohibits the use of BPA in food products due to concerns about possible health risks, such as hormonal changes and other associated problems.
BPA and PVC Film Plastic
Now, let's clarify an important point: the plastic PVC film used for packaging food does not contain Bisphenol A. O PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and the Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) are the most common materials used in plastic food films and have no relation to BPA.
BPA is primarily associated with polycarbonate and not to PVC or polyethylene. Therefore, you can use PVC films e LDPE with confidence, knowing that they do not contain BPA and comply with food safety standards.
Identifying Plastics and Safety
To ensure the safety of the products you use, it is always useful to check the recycling codes present in the packaging:
- Number 1 (PET): Used in bottles and packaging.
- Number 2 (HDPE): Used pots and bottles.
- Number 3 (PVC): Common in films and some packaging.
- Number 4 (LDPE): Used in bags and films.
- Number 5 (PP): Common on lids, pots and utensils.
These numbers help identify the type of plastic and ensure that it complies with the current regulations.
Conclusion
The number 3 inside the triangle indicates that the material is PVC, a safe and ideal choice for food packaging, especially fresh food. The PVC is not only BPA free, as it has also been widely used for over 70 years in the hospital area, in items such as blood bags e catheters, which reinforces your security.
Therefore, when choosing PVC films, you can have complete confidence that you are using a safe product, who protect your health e preserves food quality packaged.
If you have any further questions about plastics and food safety, feel free to consult our experts and read more on the subject!