March 28 (Reuters) - Campbell Soup Co CPB.N , the world's
largest soup maker, said it would completely switch to cans that
do not use the chemical bisphenol A (BPA) for their linings in
North America by the middle of 2017.
Bisphenol A is used to stiffen plastics that some studies
suggest pose health risks. It is a component in metal can
coating and protects food from directly contacting metal
surfaces.
The company said it began using cans with linings made from
acrylic or polyester materials in March and will continue to
introduce the new linings across the United States and Canada
through 2017.
The products that will be packaged in non-BPA lined cans
include all varieties of Campbell's soups and gravies, Swanson
broth and SpaghettiOs pasta, Campbell said.
The company said it was on track to have 75 percent of its
soup portfolio in non-BPA lined cans by December.
California regulators last year added BPA to a list of
chemicals known to cause harm. Containers containing any
chemicals in the list might soon be required to carry a label
explaining their dangers.