Are BPA-lined cans safe?

Can liners are an important part of keeping canned foods safe and high quality. Because the different food products in cans have different levels of acidity, moisture and other chemical characteristics, manufacturers use lining materials inside of the cans to prevent corrosion. These lining materials are closely regulated. American canned food manufacturers must follow FDA guidelines when selecting a lining, and these regulations are designed and regularly reviewed for health and safety.

Some cans use a sealant that contains Bisphenol A (BPA), which has drawn attention in the media in recent years. Small amounts of BPA may be absorbed into the food. There is ongoing research about BPA and canned foods, but at this time, the FDA research indicates the amounts used in cans and absorbed by foods are limited and are safe for humans.

Because consumers continue to be concerned about BPA, the canned food industry has largely moved away from using BPA in can linings. Manufacturers stopped using it for infant formula packaging and baby bottles in the early 2010s, and food scientists began developing new lining materials. For canned foods like tomatoes, most canneries now use alternative liners that do not contain BPA. Some estimates say that more than 95% of canned foods in the US are now made without BPA-containing liners.

If you’re concerned about BPA or other can-lining materials, you can reduce your exposure with some handling tips:

• Storing canned foods at moderate temperatures (never in a warm or hot location)
• Not cooking in the cans (as some people do while camping)
• Removing leftover portions of the food from the can for refrigerator storage.

These practices will all reduce the amounts of BPA that might transfer into the food and protect the quality of the food if it is in the sealant in that container.

For more information, read the FDA's BPA Questions & Answers page.