The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) has proposed a ban on the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) and related bisphenol compounds in food contact materials.

For businesses that manufacture, package, or handle food – particularly those using plastic containers, linings, or coated metals – the proposed ban could represent a significant change in process. Fortunately, there is time to prepare.Β 

In the following article, we will dissect the proposed legislation, explain the FSA’s preferred policy direction, and highlight five pre-emptive steps your site can take to ensure compliance.

Understanding the Food Standards Agency’s Proposed Ban on BPAΒ 

As part of a public consultation that runs untilΒ 24 December 2025, the FSA is considering three potential policy options:Β 

  • Policy Option 1: Maintain the status quo, allowing continued use of BPA and bisphenol analoguesΒ 
  • Policy Option 2: Prohibit BPA but allow the continued use of similar compounds like BPS and BPFΒ 
  • Policy Option 3 (Preferred): Prohibit BPA and structurally similar analogues in all food contact materialsΒ 

The FSA favours Policy Option 3, stating “the recommended approach reflects the precautionary principle and aims to prevent harmful substitution, ensure regulatory consistency across the UK and EU/Northern Ireland, and support the industry in transitioning to safer alternatives.”Β 

If the ban did go ahead, the primary goal would be to protect public health by eliminating materials that may pose risks like endocrine disruption and reproductive toxicity.Β 

What are the Proposed Compliance Deadlines for the Proposed BPA Ban?

If adopted, the Food Standard Agency’s BPA ban would be implemented in phases:Β 

Transitional Deadline Material Type / Use Case
20 July 2026 Single-use final food contact articles manufactured with BPA
20 January 2028 Single-use articles for preservation of fruits, vegetables, or fishery products
20 January 2028 Single-use articles with BPA-based coatings applied only to the exterior metal surface
  • First placement: 20 July 2026
  • Market presence: until 20 January 2029
 Repeat-use final food contact articles manufactured with BPA

Five Steps to Prepare for the Food Standard Agency’s Proposed Ban on BPAΒ 

Preparation is key when facing regulatory change, especially when it could impact your materials, manufacturing, and procurement. The good news? You don’t have to wait for a change in law to start adapting your processes. Below are five steps you can take immediately.Β 

1. Establish a Timeline

Instead of waiting to see if the BPA ban will be passed, your site can get ahead by developing an internal roadmap to compliance. This plan should align with the proposed deadlines and include:Β 

  • Key dates and risk areas for each product category.Β 
  • Roles and responsibilities across departments.Β 
  • The proposed budget for phasing in alternative materials.Β 
  • Contingency plans for any exemptions (e.g. critical filtration equipment).Β 

By taking a proactive approach, your site can avoid last-minute disruptions and ensure a smooth transition process. Working ahead could also help you to impress auditors further down the line.

2. Conduct a Materials AuditΒ 

Start by identifying the materials and products in your supply chain that contain BPA or bisphenol analogues. This includes some forms of:Β 

  • Food packaging (plastic containers, wraps, bottle caps)
  • Can linings or internal coatings
  • Reusable trays, utensils, or processing equipment

It’s also important to request data sheets or declarations of conformity from your packaging suppliers. If your suppliers cannot confirm BPA-free status, they will need to provide this information as soon as possible and certainly before any change in legislation. Β 

3. Talk to Your Packaging SuppliersΒ 

Suppliers will play a critical role in your site’s transition to BPA-free materials. Use this time to:Β 

  • Request documentation verifying compliance with the proposed BPA ban.
  • Ask whether alternative, compliant materials are available.
  • Find out whether they are already certified under EU or international food safety standards.

If you are currently in the process of reviewing your packaging suppliers or this is an option for your site, it may be worth considering switching to companies that can guarantee BPA-free production and already have potential changes to UK requirements on their radar.Β Β 

4. Update Your On-Site Training

Once new materials are in use, ensure clear communication with staff through:Β 

  • Updated labelling of packaging and containers.Β 
  • Visual Management Solutions that demonstrate compliant vs. non-compliant materials.Β 
  • Updated internal documentation and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

You may also need to train relevant teams, such as Quality Assurance and Procurement, on the process of identifying BPA-free products, highlighting the serious implications of allowing the wrong materials to enter your production or product packaging process.Β 

Example of Visual Management Solutions for food factories

Visual Management Solutions

  • Overcome language barriers.
  • Reduce mistakes, downtime and costs.
  • Sustain food safety culture.
  • Reinforce training.
  • Improve team morale and track progress.
  • Communicate key information.
Enquire about Visual Management

5. Communicate with Your Supply ChainΒ 

If your site decides to move towards a BPA-free process, an important next step is to:

  • Notify your distributors and any other packaging partners.
  • Request updated declarations of conformity for all food-contact packaging.Β 
  • Make sure your customers (especially retailers or foodservice clients) are aware of any changes to your production process or packaging materials.

Clear communication will prevent confusion, protect the reputation of your brand, and ensure the complete supply chain – not just your internal teams – is prepared for any upcoming changes to legislation around BPA.

At Klipspringer, we are committed to helping food industry operators stay compliant, sustainable, and audit-ready.Β 

If you’d like to learn more about how our Visual Management Solutions can help your site prepare for the BPA transition, you can contact us directly on 01473461800 or sales@klipspringer.com. Alternatively, you can complete the contact form below and a member of the team will be in touch.Β 

If you would like to learn more about the proposed BPA Ban or our Visual Management Solutions, we would be happy to help. Share your details below and we’ll get back to you right away.