Science is sidelined by sensationalism

Portland Insight: There has been a fair amount of discussion in recent months about government “overreach” at the state and federal level. The county effort to get involved in food safety policy and institute a broad ban on BPA is an example of government officials focused on personal agendas, rather than on public benefit.

Does the county really have the staff and financial resources to initiate a product ban and monitor what retailers are selling – especially when such a ban is clearly not supported by science?

Bisphenol A (or BPA as it is more commonly known) is used to make polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins – and both applications have been approved for use in contact with food by the FDA, EFSA and many other government agencies for decades. Because it is used in epoxy resin canned food linings, BPA protects food from contamination and spoilage. Cans with epoxy resin linings have a shelf life of two years or longer, which becomes very important in areas of our country where fresh fruits and vegetables are not always easily accessible or affordable.

Canned food is also essential in disaster-relief and military operations and very helpful to food banks, as well as other organizations that routinely feed large numbers of people.