New EU regulations could spell end for canned drinks on shelves

Canned drinks are part of our everyday lives – they are convenient, easily accessible, and have a long shelf life. However, concerns about their safety are increasingly being raised. The European Commission has decided to act – new regulations propose a gradual phase-out of such packaging, which could mean significant changes for manufacturers and consumers.

Canned drinks have been a popular choice for consumers for years. On the one hand, they offer convenience and long storage times, but on the other, there are growing concerns about their safety. The main issues relate to the packaging, specifically the coating inside the cans, which may contain harmful substances such as bisphenol A (BPA). This substance, although widely used for decades, has sparked controversy due to its potential impact on human health.

Long-term consumption of drinks from packaging containing BPA can lead to adverse health effects, such as hormonal disruptions and an increased risk of cancer. The European Commission has decided to phase out this compound from the market, which means that canned drinks may disappear from shelves in their current form. Does this mean the end of popular cans? Not entirely – manufacturers are already working on alternatives.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical compound widely used in the production of packaging, including metal cans. Its purpose is to protect food from contact with the metal, prevent corrosion, and extend the shelf life of products. Unfortunately, as research shows, BPA can leach from the packaging into the food, especially under high temperatures or prolonged storage.

The European Commission, concerned about potential health risks, has decided to withdraw products containing bisphenol A from the market. This substance, recognized as a potential carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), can affect the functioning of the hormonal and nervous systems. Therefore, canned drink manufacturers must adapt to new requirements and find safer alternatives to BPA. They have a maximum of three years to do so; otherwise, their products may disappear from the market.

The new regulations aim to improve consumer health and reduce the risk of diseases associated with long-term exposure to harmful chemical compounds. As a result, popular canned drinks may be replaced with innovative, more eco-friendly solutions.