Heinz is one of a number of leading food manufacturers to announce that will stop using bisphenol-A in its food packaging, according to Packaging Technology’s website.
The company is "at an advanced stage" at removing Bisphenol A (or BPA) from its baby food ranges in the UK, the report said, citing The Independent.
"Heinz remains committed to moving to alternatives. Our plastic Heinz Beanz Snap Pots and Heinz Beanz Fridge Pack contain no BPA. All Heinz plastic baby food and juice containers, as well as packaging for our snacks and cereals, are BPA-free," Heinz told the newspaper.
"Our baby food cans also contain no BPA and we are already at an advanced stage of phasing out the minute amounts of BPA used in the lids of jarred baby foods to ensure seal integrity, even though the BPA is coated and does not come into direct contact with the food at any time."
Other manufacturers are also removing BPA. Nestle says it will stop putting it into its US products' packaging within three years, while General Mills - which manufacturers the Green Giant tinned brand - has removed it from its Muir Glen range. However, other companies including Coca-Cola insist BPA is safe.
There has been growing concern about the use of Bisphenol-A in food packaging in recent months. Many scientists say the chemical could be causing a range of illnesses and conditions including cancer, heart disease and infertility. Growing awareness has led more than 20 US states introducing legislation to tighten the usage of BPA, several countries including Canada listing it as a toxic substance and Denmark banning it in products for children three and under. In September the European Food Safety Agency said BPA does not pose a public risk. –- Source Packaging Technology