Summary of Responses: consultation on the proposal to implement a ban on the use of BPA and its analogues in food contact materials
Applies to England and Wales
Detail of outcome
Detail of feedback received
Original consultation
Consultation description
Introduction
Overview
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) conducted a 12-week consultation on the proposed ban of bisphenol A (BPA) and its analogues in food contact materials (FCMs) across England and Wales that concluded in December 2025.
Food Standards Scotland (FSS) undertook a parallel consultation process within Scotland at the same time. The main objective of these consultations was to collect both evidence and feedback from stakeholders, thereby supporting regulatory decision-making.
Objectives
The consultation process focused on several key areas:
- to collate further evidence as available on the health risks associated with BPA and related substances in FCMs
- to examine the practical considerations involved in implementing such a ban, including technical and economic factors
- to encourage stakeholders to comment on any potential exemptions to the ban, ensuring that regulatory measures would be both effective and feasible
Key areas for stakeholder input
The consultation specifically sought stakeholder input on several key areas relating to the proposed ban on BPA and its analogues in FCMs. Respondents were invited to provide:
- new or emerging scientific evidence regarding the health risks of BPA in FCMs that might challenge the current scientific consensus
- information on the toxicity or health risks of BPA analogues, particularly how these compare to BPA itself
- examples of specific uses of BPA or other bisphenols in FCMs where a ban would cause significant or unavoidable difficulties
- details of industry-led studies or trials, either conducted by respondents or known to them, which demonstrate the feasibility or challenges of replacing BPA and related substances
- views on anticipated obstacles to implementing a ban on BPA and its analogues
- feedback on aligning transitional periods and derogations with those of the European Union
- identification of any possible unintended consequences that could result from the proposed ban
- any additional comments or evidence considered relevant to the proposed ban and its implementation
The intention behind these focus areas was to collect a thorough and balanced range of insights (scientific, operational, and regulatory) from diverse stakeholders. This was to ensure the consultation fully considered both the health risks and the real-world implications of regulating BPA and its analogues in FCMs.
This report offers a concise overview of the feedback, including details about respondents and emphasising common themes and issues. The Annexes contain both a summary of responses and specific comments to open-ended questions.
The FSA wishes to thank all contributors for their valued input.
Overview of respondent demographics
Feedback was gathered from a diverse group of stakeholders, reflecting the breadth of interest and impact associated with the proposed changes to BPA regulations in FCMs.
Respondents included FBOs, manufacturers, trade associations, local authorities, consumers, and several anonymous contributors.
In total, 62 responses were received during the consultation period. The majority of these submissions were made through the online survey platform, accounting for 49 responses. An additional 13 responses were submitted via email. Where email feedback directly addressed questions posed in the online survey, these responses were integrated with the survey submissions to provide a thorough and unified analysis.
Individual consumers were well represented among respondents, with 24 participating through the online survey and a further 2 contributing via email.
Industry stakeholders (organisations, companies and associations) made significant contributions, with 25 responses provided through the online survey and 11 responses sent by email. These also included an organisation sending detailed argumentation and references to support their online response.
This combination of consumer and industry perspectives meant the consultation captured a comprehensive range of views and experiences relevant to the proposed regulatory changes.