Illustrations: AI-generated
BPA and phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics hard or soft. BPA, or bisphenol A, hardens polycarbonate plastic and lines many food cans. Phthalates make vinyl and other plastics flexible and help scents last longer. Both can leach into food, and both are endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with the body's hormones. Europe banned BPA in food packaging in 2025. In the US, both are still allowed in many food-contact uses.
How we reported this guide
✓ Every claim links to the study, agency or news report behind it.
✓ We say when research shows a link rather than proof.
✓ We didn't run our own tests. This guide summarizes published research and government data.
Table of Contents
Where are BPA and phthalates found?
BPA is used in polycarbonate plastic, which often carries recycling code 7, in the epoxy linings of many food and drink cans, and in the thermal paper used for many receipts.
Phthalates are used in vinyl, or PVC, which carries recycling code 3, including shower curtains, flooring and some toys. They're also in plastic tubing and gloves used in food processing, in some packaging, and in the "fragrance" in many lotions, shampoos and air fresheners.
Watch out for "BPA-free": Many products replaced BPA with close chemical cousins, such as BPS and BPF, that may act on hormones in similar ways. Europe's ban also covers other bisphenols classified as hazardous.
Can linings, receipt paper, soft vinyl and scented personal care products are common sources of BPA and phthalates.
What are the health risks?
MIMICS ESTROGEN
BPA
BPA mimics estrogen. In 2023, the European Food Safety Authority cut the amount of BPA it considers safe to consume daily by 20,000 times and concluded that current exposure is a health risk, with the immune system the most sensitive concern.
INTERFERES WITH TESTOSTERONE
Phthalates
Phthalates, especially one called DEHP, interfere with testosterone and are linked to reproductive and developmental problems. A 2024 NIH-backed study in The Lancet Planetary Health analyzed more than 5,000 pregnant women. The 10 percent with the highest phthalate levels were 50 percent more likely to give birth before 37 weeks than the 10 percent with the lowest. Exposure to three common DEHP replacements was tied to twice the risk. The researchers estimated that phthalates may have contributed to nearly 57,000 preterm births in the US in 2018, about 10 percent of the total.
In a 2024 study of more than 5,000 pregnant women, the highest phthalate levels were tied to a 50 percent higher risk of preterm birth.
How strong is the evidence: As with most chemical research, these studies find associations across large groups rather than proving cause in any one person. But the findings are a big reason regulators in Europe have tightened their rules.
Why is MAHA concerned about BPA and phthalates?
The MAHA Commission's May 2025 report named phthalates and bisphenols among the seven chemical groups it wants studied for their role in childhood chronic disease. It linked phthalates to developmental and reproductive harm and bisphenols to hormone disruption. It also noted that the FDA has already banned some phthalates in food packaging and that industry use is declining.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made reviewing chemicals already in the food supply a priority. "No parent should ever worry about what's in their child's food," he said in 2025, when the FDA announced a stronger review process that includes phthalates.
What is the government doing about BPA and phthalates?
EUROPEAN UNION
Europe banned BPA in food contact
The EU banned BPA and other hazardous bisphenols in food packaging and other food-contact materials starting Jan. 20, 2025. The main transition period ended July 20, 2026, so most food-contact products made with BPA can no longer be sold there.
FDA · BPA
The US restricts BPA in only a few products
The FDA stopped allowing BPA-based plastic in baby bottles and sippy cups in 2012, but BPA is still permitted in can linings and other food-contact uses.
FDA · PHTHALATES
The FDA is reviewing phthalates
In 2022, the FDA revoked authorizations for 23 phthalates in food contact after finding industry had abandoned them, and it turned down a petition to ban the rest, a decision now being challenged in court. On May 27, 2026, the FDA released a scientific evaluation proposing that four phthalates still allowed in food contact, including DEHP, be assessed together for their combined effects on male reproductive health. It's a step toward a risk assessment, not a ban, and no new limits have been set.
FDA · INFANT FORMULA
Formula tested clean
In April 2026, FDA testing of infant formula under Operation Stork Speed found phthalates absent or only at trace levels.
FEDERAL LAW · TOYS
Toys are already covered
Since 2008, federal law has limited eight phthalates to 0.1 percent in children's toys and child care products.
How can you lower your exposure to BPA and phthalates?
Fresh foods, glass storage and fragrance-free products cut everyday exposure to BPA and phthalates.
BIGGEST SWAP
Keep hot food out of plastic
Instead: Microwave and store leftovers in glass, ceramic or stainless steel.
Things to know: Don't count on "BPA-free" for hot foods, since the replacements may act similarly.
EASY SWAP
Choose fragrance-free products
"Fragrance" on a personal care or cleaning product label can include phthalates.
More ways to cut exposure:
Eat more fresh food and fewer canned and heavily processed foods, which can pick up these chemicals from can linings, packaging and processing equipment.
Skip vinyl. Avoid PVC shower curtains, tablecloths and toys, and plastics marked with recycling code 3.
Decline paper receipts when you can, and wash your hands after handling them.
FAQs
Is BPA-free plastic safe?
Not necessarily. Many products replaced BPA with close chemical cousins, such as BPS and BPF, that may act on hormones in similar ways.
Is BPA banned in the US?
Only in a few products. The FDA stopped allowing BPA-based plastic in baby bottles and sippy cups in 2012, but BPA is still permitted in can linings and other food-contact uses. Europe banned it in food packaging in 2025.
How can I avoid phthalates?
Keep hot food out of plastic, choose fragrance-free personal care and cleaning products, and skip vinyl, including plastics marked with recycling code 3.
The bottom line
BPA and phthalates are plastic chemicals that can leach into food and disrupt hormones.
Europe cut its safe intake level for BPA by 20,000 times and banned it in food packaging. The US still allows it in can linings.
High phthalate exposure during pregnancy is tied to a higher risk of preterm birth.
The FDA is reassessing phthalates in food packaging, but no new limits have been set.
Keeping hot food out of plastic and choosing fragrance-free products are the biggest everyday swaps.
More from Healthy Again
Sources
Healthy, Again. is health news, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor about any health concern, especially during pregnancy.