BPA in Receipts

So this is a topic I was informed about quite awhile ago, but it's been in the news again so I'm going to address it. In our receipts, the chemical and hormone-disruptor BPA is present. Researchers have found such high levels in our (Americans) blood, that they discovered that it is seeping into us through our fingertips from touching BPA infested receipts. BPA is a reproductive, developmental, and systemic toxicant in animal studies and is weakly estrogenic. There are significant concerns about its potential impact particularly on children’s health and the environment. PCC banned the substance from their receipts immediately when this study was released and recently, the EPA announced an action plan for BPA. Additionally, a major suppliers for the receipt tape, Appleton Paper, has announced that it is discontinuing the use of BPA, although I'm not sure the timeline for this. I post about this just to create awareness. I touch my receipts as minimally as I have to and toss them into the garbage, not the recycle because then the BPA can get back into our recycled products.

A side note on BPA: it's in the lined cans that contain food (beans, tomatoes, tuna, etc) and it's in the lining of the cans of infant formula. Eden Organics has not had BPA present in their cans for a while now and Muir Glen banned the use in their cans for last years harvest, which is now hitting stores. No specific labeling exists, but if the expiration date is in 2013 (for the Muir Glen products), there is a chance that the product is BPA free. They reportedly will announce when they have completed the transition to the new cans.

We have primarily converted to dried beans, although if I'm planning a meal last minute, I'll use the Eden Organics beans. They also have very yummy diced tomatoes that are fabulous in stews and soups! Try them out and enjoy!