French dismiss bisphenol A studies but highlight ‘warning signs’

Foodproduction daily’: "French food safety authorities have questioned the validity of studies linking bisphenol A (BPA) to human health problems but said the research does flag up “warning signs” that warrant extra analysis.

The French Food Safety Agency (AFSSA) also called for the development of new assessment methods to evaluate the potential effects of the chemical on humans. It recommended that further research be carried out on BPA and listed measures to help minimise exposure to the substance.

The body said flawed methodology in a host of studies on the chemical was the reason behind it being unable to accept their conclusions. AFSSA delivered its assessment after its scientists performed a meta-analysis of the wide body of research examining the effect of BPA on laboratory animals.

“Based on this expert appraisal, AFSSA concluded that the methodology of the studies performed made it impossible to formally interpret their data, calling into question the previous assessments of the health risks of BPA,” said a statement from the agency."