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CAMDEN, N.J. — Campbell Soup Co. plans to complete a transition to cans that do not use bisphenol A (BPA) linings by the middle of 2017.The food company said late Monday that it began using cans with linings made from acrylic or polyester materials earlier this month and will continue to introduce the new linings across its U.S. and Canadian portfolio through next year.
Products that will be packaged in non-BPA lined cans include all varieties of Campbell’s soup and gravy, Swanson broth and SpaghettiOs pasta. The company said it’s on track to have 75% of its soup portfolio in non-BPA lined cans by December.
Campbell said it announced its intention to move away from BPA linings in February 2012, in response to consumer feedback, and has since tested hundreds of alternatives.
The transition faced a number of technical challenges, according to Campbell. They included identifying linings that would ensure the safety of more than 600 recipes, such as its tomato-based products, which are naturally acidic and can react with some linings over time.
“Our priority throughout this transition has been, and will continue to be, food safety,” stated Mike Mulshine, senior program manager for packaging at Campbell. “We have tested and conducted trials with hundreds of alternatives to BPA lining and believe the acrylic and polyester options will ensure our food remains safe and affordable and tastes great.”
Campbell added that it’s currently testing alternatives to BPA coatings used on other packaging, including aluminum cans used for V8 beverages and metal screw top lids on glass jars. The company also offers a wide range of products in packaging that currently does not use BPA, including cartons, pouches and PET bottles.
