54I-9 |
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V. EDWARDS, I. Goktepe, M. Reed, B. Milford, J. Yu, and M. Ahmedna. Dept. of Human Environment and Family Sciences, North Carolina A&T State Univ., 161 Carver Hall, Greensboro, NC 27411 Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used to make many polycarbonate plastic products; for example, baby bottles, coatings of cans for food products, and compact disks. BPA migrates from interior coatings into various kinds of canned foods such as fish and meat products, mixed vegetables, infant formula, and beverages. Some epidemiological studies show that BPA can disrupt development and function of endocrine systems of humans either by mimicking a hormone (like estrogens) or by blocking hormonal effects. Since BPA was detected in several food products, there is a need for more research to detect the contamination level of BPA in different food products, particularly baby foods because of the susceptibility of infants to BPA's adverse health effects. This study was designed to determine the trace concentration of BPA in select canned baby foods. Levels of BPA were detected in samples using solvent extraction with acetone/heptane and HPLC. Three brands of baby foods were tested in this study. A total of seven different flavors, including green beans, apples, pears, bananas, sweet potatoes, chicken noodle, and macaroni/cheese were analyzed for the presence of BPA. The results show that BPA was detected in four test samples at concentrations ranging from 0.14 to 0.50 mg/mL. The highest concentration of BPA was detected in green bean samples. BPA was not at the detectable level in banana and sweet potato samples of three brands used. None of the food samples analyzed had the maximum acceptable oral dose for BPA (0.05 mg/kg bw/day). However, the presence of BPA could have potential adverse health effects on humans. Thus, the impact of BPA in human bodies needs to be further studied, especially with regard to accumulation, degradation, and possible effects on the endocrine system.
Session 54I, Toxicology & Safety Evaluation: General
2005 IFT Annual Meeting, July 15-20 - New Orleans, Louisiana |