1. Core Definition: What is BPA?
BPA, short for Bisphenol A, is a synthetic organic compound and a core raw material for production of polycarbonate (PC) plastics and epoxy resins. It was once widely used in manufacture of transparent rigid plastic parts and food contact coatings.
2. Core Hazards: Why its use is restricted
BPA is an endocrine disruptor with two core risks, particularly prominent for mothers, infants, and children:
- Migration Risk: Upon contact with high temperatures and acidic/alkaline media (boiling water, juice, soy sauce), it can migrate from plastics into food/water;
- Health Risk: Long-term intake can disrupt human endocrine system, affecting reproductive development and metabolism, and may increase risk of chronic diseases.
3. Core Characteristics: Key Features of BPA (Determining Application Restrictions)
- Compatible Materials: Primarily found in PC plastics (marked with the number "7" inside the triangle, some containing BPA), and epoxy resin coatings (inner coatings of metal cups and kettles);
- Migration Inducing Factors: High temperatures, prolonged contact, acidic or alkaline media, and repeated use significantly increase BPA migration (boiling water causes a surge in BPA migration from PC cups);
- Compliance Core: Many countries globally impose mandatory restrictions. China explicitly stipulates that BPA migration in food contact plastics must be ≤0.05mg/kg, BPA-containing materials are prohibited in infant and toddler products.

 

Core General Principles (3 Red Lines)
1. Food Contact Parts: Prioritize BPA-Free materials to eliminate migration risks;
2. High-Temperature Contact Parts (Boiling Water, Heat Sources): Strictly prohibit use of BPA-containing PC plastics to avoid high-temperature migration;
3. Compliance Bottom Line: Must comply with GB standards. 4806.7 (National Standard for Food Contact Plastics), labeled "BPA-free" and "for food contact use".
1. Cups and Jugs (Core food contact + high frequency of exposure to high temperatures, key avoidance)
Cups and jugs are high-risk scenarios for BPA migration. Materials should be selected precisely according to product type, taking into account safety, performance, and appearance:
(1) High-transparency cups and jugs (pursuing a transparent texture)
- Recommended BPA-free materials: High borosilicate glass (preferred), Tritan (copolyester, PCTG/PETG), transparent PP
- Advantages: Tritan is resistant to boiling water, BPA-free, and drop-resistant, making it the best alternative to traditional BPA-containing PC; transparent PP offers high cost-effectiveness, is safe and non-toxic;
- Prohibitions: It is strictly forbidden to use traditional BPA-containing PC plastics for boiling water cups.
(2) Ordinary non-transparent cups and jugs (pursuing durability and cost-effectiveness)
- Recommended BPA-free materials: Food-grade PP (preferred, resistant to boiling water), food-grade HDPE (low-temperature scenarios), food-grade TPE (soft cup sleeves)
- Advantages: Food-grade PP is resistant to boiling water, low cost, compatible with most cups and kettles (insulated cup inner liner and outer shell, electric kettle body), with no BPA risk;
- Prohibitions: Avoid choosing colored hard plastics of unknown material to prevent hidden BPA content.
(3) Metal cup/kettle inner liner coating (avoid coatings containing BPA)
- Recommended: BPA-free epoxy resin coating, ceramic coating, Teflon coating (food grade)
- Prohibitions: Do not use traditional epoxy resin coatings containing BPA; prioritize products clearly labeled "BPA-free coating".
2. Small household appliances (divided into food contact parts + non-contact parts, precise matching)
Small household appliances need to be distinguished between food contact/high temperature to avoid incorrect selection of BPA-containing materials:
(1) Food contact parts (core safety area)
- Scenarios: Electric kettle body/inner liner, food processor cup, coffee maker water cup, air fryer inner liner
- Recommended BPA-free materials: Food-grade PP, Food-grade PC/ABS (BPA-free modification), Stainless steel (uncoated/food-grade coated)
- Core requirements: Must be labeled as compliant with GB 4806.7, high temperature resistant (suitable for small appliance operating temperatures), and free from BPA migration risk.
(2) Non-food contact parts (no safety risks, performance considerations)
- Scenarios: Small appliance shells, handles, circuit board supports, decorative parts
- Optional materials: Ordinary ABS, PP, PC (BPA-free modification), PC/ABS alloy
- Core requirements: No need to worry about BPA; focus on mechanical properties, flame retardancy, and heat resistance, as long as they meet safety standards for small appliances.

 

1. Check the label: Prioritize cups/pots labeled "BPA-Free," "Food contact," and "Compliant with GB 4806.7";
2. Avoid Certain Materials: If you see a triangle symbol "7" without a "BPA-free" label, it likely contains BPA-containing PC. Avoid cups and kettles intended for boiling water.
3. Avoid High Temperatures: Plastics containing BPA risks should never be used for boiling water or microwaved, as this accelerates BPA migration.
4. Choose Raw Materials: When purchasing, request a "BPA-free test report" from supplier to confirm that material source does not contain BPA.
5. For Infant and Toddler Products: Infant cups, kettles, and baby bottles must be made of high borosilicate glass, food-grade PP, or Tritan. Any materials containing BPA are strictly prohibited.
6. Small Appliances: For small appliances that come into contact with high temperatures, such as food processors and electric kettles, core components must not contain BPA-containing PC.

For cups and kettles in food contact and high-temperature scenarios, prioritize food-grade PP, Tritan, and high borosilicate glass (BPA-free). For small appliances with food contact parts, follow same principles as cups and kettles. For non-contact parts, choose materials that meet performance standards as needed. Core principle is: "BPA-free for food contact, and compliance labeling is essential."