Study finds chemical BPA in popular Thanksgiving canned foods
Add the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) to your list of holiday worries.
BPA has been found in canned products commonly used in Thanksgiving dinners, according to a new report by the nonprofit Breast Cancer Fund. Research studies have shown that BPA could increase the risks of getting breast and prostate cancer and other diseases.
The organization tested four cans of each of the following: Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup, Campbell's Turkey Gravy, Carnation Evaporated Milk, Green Giant Cut Green Beans, Libby's Pumpkin and Del Monte Fresh Cut Sweet Corn, Cream Style.
The amount of BPA found in cans of the same product was inconsistent. But for half of the items tested, a 120-gram serving of the product contained a BPA concentration of more than 11 parts per billion, the level that lab studies have shown to have negative health effects.
Scientists at the Breast Cancer Fund said that the inconsistencies may be due to different canning facilities, batches, and storage and transportation conditions.
BPA is used to make the resin lining of many metal food cans. Legislation banning BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups exists in 11 states, including California.
For the record, 1:20 p.m. Nov. 16: A previous version of this post indicated that BPA was found in cans of Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce. This is not the case. The Breast Cancer Fund study found no BPA in cans of that product.
-- Rosanna Xia
Photo: A Thanksgiving dinner. Credit: Kirk McKoy/Los Angeles Times