BPA and Canning Jar Lids

BPA Bisphenol-A is a synthetic chemical compound found in polycarbonate plastic containers. There is great debate going on in the canning world regarding the use of BPA on canning jar lids.

Home canners have been made aware that this potentially dangerous substance is used on the lids of their canning jars. Home canners preserve food out of necessity, to ensure their food is as healthy as possible and to make the best of garden abundance. Imagine finding out that all that diligence could be tainted by the jar lids they so carefully apply to their jarred goods?

So how concerned should we be? Do we need to stop using the lids lined with this plastic material? Do we need to get rid of all those jars in the pantry? Will our children get sick and possibly get cancer from our efforts? Do we have any other alternative?

Studies coming out of Canada report Health Canadian scientists found that "traces" of toxins were found in "BPA-free" bottles resulting in high readings of BPA. This study opened Pandora's Box and the Canadians went on to study the BPA readings and effects on humans. They went on to theorize that high levels of BPA in the body can influence hormone levels and increase the risk of health problems, including miscarriage. BPA can increase breast cancer cells and lower sperm count in rats. BPA can increase estrogen levels in the body affecting prostrate cancer growth rates.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found humans do have levels of BPA in their body that are related to consumption of food and beverages contained in plastic containers. BPA does not linger long in the body because it is excreted but because we are exposed to it through our diet it is usually present. Ok so we have proof that BPA is present in plastic containers and that it does leach into our bodies and it is not good for us.

The canning jar lid manufacturers reported their lids were with the standards put forth by numerous industry government standards: FFDCA, FDA, RCRA, DOT and others composing the alphabet soup of governmental "protection agencies". All this meant is that the manufacturers recognize there is a problem with PBA and were looking to the government to set allowable standards and report findings that would allow them to continue manufacturing their product.

Therefore we have established there is a potential problem, the problem has potential health effects now what are we to do?

First it is clear that the BPA is activated by heat. Canning is a heat process. If canning instructions are carefully followed especially in regards to how much food to add to a jar and how much head space is to be left, there is a good chance that the food will not touch the lid. Yes, that leaves a wide margin for error. Things to boil up and steam up during the canning process.

Second - processed jars should never be stored upside down so that the food is exposed for duration of time to the lid. That just makes sense.

Third - A choice can be made whether to continue to use plastic lined lids or find an alternative. Alternatives do exist. There are glass lids and have been since canning with glass jars was first invented. Glass lids can be found on the internet. They are more expensive than the plastic lined lids, however, they are reusable.

At this time I am going to cautiously continue to use the lids I have. I will always can following the instructions and will honor spacing recommendations so food is not too close to the lid. I will not store food upside down. I feel that the amount of exposure to the small lid is significantly less than that of food purchased in plastic lined metal cans. I know of only one company that is selling food in non-BPA lined cans and that is Eden. At this point I feel my canned food is still safer than that which is bought in the grocery store. If I win the lottery and if the price of glass lids is reduced then I will switch to glass.

I suggest that all canners write to Jarden Home Brands maker of Ball, Kerr, Golden Harvest, and Bernardin canning jars and lids with an appeal to research and find another solution. As consumers we can alter their business by refusing to make purchases from them and turning our business to other companies. Jarden's mailing address is Jarden Home Brands, 14611 W. Commerce Road, Daleville, IN 47334 and their email address is www.jardenhomebrands.com.

"As always use your own knowingness to make your decisions but be sure to educate yourself and never make a decision in ignorance." The Frugal Fraulein