BPA at a glance

BPA, it stands for Bisphenol A. BPA is an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics and resins since the 1960s.

Have you heard about BPA? Are you worried about it? Do you want to avoid it? Do you want to know what to look for to keep yourself free from any danger that it may represent?

I think the first and most important thing is to learn how to spot containers that are safe. Just look at the bottom of the container for the recycling triangle if you see the No. 1 you know it is safe. Our oil bottles are made of this special material with no BPA so you need have no worries; it is completely safe and does not have any effect on our lovely fresh oil.

BPA is found in polycarbonate plastics that are often used in containers that store food and beverages, such as water bottles. It can also be in epoxy resins coating the inside of food cans.

These are the concerns; research has shown that BPA can seep into food or beverages from containers that are made with BPA. Exposure to BPA is a concern because of possible health effects of BPA on the brain, behaviour and prostate gland of foetuses, infants and children.

However, assessment based on review of hundreds of studies has said that BPA is safe at the very low levels that occur in some foods. You can find out more by searching BPA on line and make up your own mind what to believe.

Here are a couple of useful tips for you,

•Avoid heat with plastics. It would be good not to microwave polycarbonate plastics or put them in the dishwasher, because the plastic may break down over time and allow BPA to leach into foods.

•Use alternatives. Use glass, porcelain or stainless steel containers for hot foods and liquids instead of plastic containers.

A message from a heart centred Farmer

Durwin Banks

Durwin Banks
The Linseed Farm

BPA at a glance