UNFI Bans Products containing BPA

Via UNFInews@unfi.com:


June/2010
Dear Valued Supplier,

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an organic compound used in the manufacture of many consumer products and as a component in the lining of cans used for foodstuffs. It is known that BPA can leach into foods from the can lining. It has also been established that BPA is present in 93% of Americans tested, demonstrating that the compound is being ingested. In the body, BPA is an endocrine disrupter, that is, it mimics naturally occurring body hormones (particularly estrogen) and blocks their normal functions.

In addition to concerns about BPA's impact on human health, concerns about BPA contamination of the environment are surfacing. Studies have shown that decomposition of plastic trash in the ocean is releasing BPA into the ocean, causing endocrine disruption in marine species.

Given growing scientific evidence and consumer concerns over BPA and its effects on human health and the environment:
- UNFI urges it's suppliers to find and use safe alternatives to packaging manufactured with BPA
- UNFI will identify products with BPA-free packaging on UNFI customer websites. Manufacturers who wish to have their products so identified by UNFI must be pro-actively informing the public of their BPA-free status via label information and/or statements on its brand website.
- UNFI will support the industry in discussion of the BPA issue through sharing of relevant studies, commentaries and developments with our customers and suppliers as these come to our attention. UNFI welcomes input on the issue from consumers, retailers and manufacturers.

The attached document outlines UNFI's policy on BPA, provides supporting information and a list of resources you can access for more information about the topic. UNFI intends to foster discussion of this issue within the natural products industry. Your comments may be addressed to Joan Ayotte, jayotte@unfi.com. Joan will be compiling input from suppliers.

BPA UNFI Position 2010

Thank you

UNFI