Microbac Laboratories, Inc.

Southern Testing and Research Division

Foods Containing Bisphenol A (BPA) Raise Safety Concerns

In an article dated Thursday, January 20, 2005, Reuters Health Information quoted preliminary findings by Dr. Karen E. Knudsen of the University of Cincinnati, indicating that the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) can stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells in the laboratory.   

According to Reuters, BPA plastics are widely used in food and drink packaging, and to line food cans, milk containers, and water pipes. Close to one million tons of BPA are produced each year in the US. 

Because of the huge volume of BPA that is produced for use in food contact surfaces, coupled with the potential for BPA to promote the growth of human cancer cells, the safety of BPA has been debated for several years. 

Southern Testing currently analyzes samples for BPA at a normal cost of $250.00 per sample, with some discount being considered depending on the number of analyses requested and/or the matrix.  

To discuss analysis of your food products, please call 

    Sheila Hinnant, Manager, Food Chemistry Department, at 252-265-5042, 

    or e-mail Sheila at  shinnant@microbac.com,

     or use our Fax-Back Request/Response form.

Thank you for using Southern Testing and Research Division for your special problems and projects.