Bisphenol F in food - Health risk unlikely?

BfR believes that adverse health effects are unlikely
The detection of bisphenol F (BPF) in feed has caused some uncertainty among consumers. The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has investigated potential health risks posed by BPF and concludes that negative effects on health are unlikely in the quantities detected. However, "toxicological data on possible hormonal effects of BPF after prenatal exposure and data on BPF intake via other foods or other sources such as house dust would be missing."

"From the point of view of the BfR, the occurrence of undesirable effects on health by BPF in mustard is unlikely," according to the Institute's statement. In addition, the experts assume that - unlike initially suspected - BPF does not pass from food packaging in the mustard, but is formed during the manufacturing process of a naturally contained ingredient of the white mustard (the Glucosinalbin). In the toxicological studies on the mechanism of action of BPF, there would have been indications of an effect of the substance on the hormone system, the BfR continued.

Detection of bisphenol F in food - Health risk is unlikely. (Image: baibaz / fotolia.com)

Final toxicological so far not possible
A final assessment of the health risk posed by BPF in mustard is not yet possible due to the lack of toxicological data on possible hormonal effects and the lack of data on BPF intake from other sources, BfR emphasizes. Moreover, so far no health-related guideline for a tolerable intake has been established "which can be taken daily without a health risk." According to the BfR, BPF's chemical structure is similar to that of the well-studied bisphenol A (BPA) higher levels of intake certainly entails significant health risks.

Tolerable daily intake unknown
In the "toxicokinetic studies and investigations on the mechanism of action of BPF" a similar hazard potential was found as with BPA, according to the BfR. Therefore, in the alternative, for the health assessment of BPF, the scientists used the provisional European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Tolerable Daily Intake (t-TDI) value for BPA of four micrograms (μg) per kilogram of body weight per day. The BPF content of the mustard was based on the data "transmitted as part of the analysis of food from food monitoring in a federal state," the BfR continues.

Even with high mustard consumption no risk
With an extremely high mustard consumption with daily consumption of at least four grams per day and the highest mustard-measured BPF content of around 6,200 micrograms per kilogram, intake was still around ten times lower than the defined tolerable daily intake of four micrograms per kilogram of body weight and day, reports the BfR. At a normal intake of 0.9 grams of mustard per day and the average measured BPF load of mustard, the intake was more than 100 times lower than the tolerable daily intake, the institute continues. Undesirable effects on health are therefore unlikely. (Fp)