Food Talk: How safe are plastic water bottles?

QUESTION: You wrote last week about bottled water, how safe are the plastic bottles the water comes in?

ANSWER: This certainly is a matter of concern. The safety of plastic bottles and the plastic lining found in canned foods has attracted the attention of many.

This is, in part, because the reviews reported about the chemical used in plastics to make them rigid. This chemical is bisphenol A, commonly abbreviated as BPA. BPA also makes plastics shatter-proof and heat-resistant. When used in the lining of metal cans it helps prevent corrosion, leaching of metal into the food, and micro-organism contamination. Food-related materials containing BPA include reusable plastic bottles and food containers, baby bottles, tableware, microwave ovenware, bottle tops and can liners.

BPA is carefully regulated by the FDA because it comes in contact with food. BPA has been the subject of extensive safety reviews. The FDA has affirmed regulated products made with BPA are safe if the container is market as one that can be reused with food. It appears the body can rapidly metabolize and eliminate BPA. BPA can migrate from the container into food, but as of today the amount shown to migrate is well below the established level of safety.

To minimize the migration of BPA into food and beverage consumers should use packaging and containers only for their market, intended use. Do not reuse microwave packaging clearly intended for one-time usage, including water bottles. Keep in mind not only is BPA a concern for reuse, but the bottles can harbor bacteria and very easily support conditions necessary for bacteria growth. They are difficult to clean and dry. 

As of today, the FDA concludes human exposure to BPA in plastics intended to come in contact with food and beverage is below the level that may cause health effects. However, the legislature and further government reports will keep the safety of plastic packaging under study and report findings to the public.

Do be cautious about the reuse of plastic containers. Do you really want to keep those old margarine and whipped topping containers? Do you really want to take a chance and refill those empty water bottles? Read your labels closely. Does it state the container is of a type of plastic that is classified as reusable? If not, throw it away or put it in your recycle bin.

For more information about any nutrition issues, please call Ellen Jones, registered dietitian, at (479) 549-2425.