The correlation between Bisphenol A and diabetes

24.2.2017

Question for written answer E-001240-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Christel Schaldemose (S&D) , Frédérique Ries (ALDE) , Marc Tarabella (S&D) , Marisa Matias (GUE/NGL) , Bogdan Brunon Wenta (PPE) , Therese Comodini Cachia (PPE) , Pavel Poc (S&D)

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most common chemicals in everyday products. Consequently, 95% of all people have low yet detectable levels of BPA in their bodies.

Numerous scientific studies point to a strong correlation between BPA and other Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) and the onset of diabetes, obesity and other diseases, even at low exposure levels (the tolerable daily intake is less than 4 µg/kg bodyweight/day).

Together with genetic predisposition and lifestyle changes, EDCs may be at the core of the current epidemic of obesity and diabetes. Diabetes alone is responsible for 627 000 deaths in Europe every year.

While EFSA and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledge uncertainty about BPA-related hazards at this moment in time, they also surprisingly conclude that at current exposure levels BPA poses no health risk to consumers of any age group.

Is the Commission aware of the discrepancy between the scientific evidence available on BPA and the position of EFSA and the FDA?

Taking into account the potential health impact, what steps will the Commission take to ensure that more research is conducted into BPA and other EDCs in Europe?

In line with the latest scientific developments in the field, will the Commission devote specific attention to BPA in the short term?