Brussels (AFP)

European justice confirmed Friday the classification of bisphenol A as an endocrine disruptor, rejecting a recourse of the plastics industry who challenged this listing.

Bisphenol A (BPA) was identified in July 2017 as a "substance with endocrine disrupting properties that can have serious effects on human health", says the European Union Tribunal. This classification of the European Chemicals Agency, ECHA, was made at the request of France.

Seized by Plastics Europe, an association representing European plastics producers, the Tribunal found that ECHA's decision did not violate any legal provision.

Endocrine disruptors are chemical compounds found in many consumer products (toys, receipts, plastics, paints, clothing, phytosanitary products, etc.) that interfere with the hormonal system.

This is a second setback for Plastics Europe. In July, the European judiciary had already, in a separate procedure, confirmed the classification of bisphenol A as a "substance of very high concern" for its toxicity to the reproductive system.

The use of BPA in baby bottles has been banned throughout the EU since 1 June 2011. In Belgium, Sweden and Denmark, its use is also banned in other materials that come into contact with food. foodstuffs and which are intended for infants and children under three years of age. In France, the use of BPA is prohibited in all packaging, containers and utensils for foodstuffs.

© 2019 AFP