BPA-Free Packaging

I've gotten some questions about packaging since there have been a number of news stories on the perils of BPA. Here are a few facts that may help you choose safer packaging:

-Aseptic Cartons:
You may have seen soups and broths packaged in aseptic containers sometimes called Tetra Pak® . These do not contain BPA. They are made up of 6 layers. From the outside in they are – polyethylene, paper, polyethylene, aluminum foil, polyethylene and polyethylene. Polyethelene is a BPA-free plastic. It shields the food from the aluminum lining which helps protect the product from air and light, eliminating the need for preservatives or refrigeration.

-Glass:
Buying products, especially acidic foods, in glass is a "safer choice". The lids may contain trace amounts of BPA but you can limit the transfer to the food by storing your jar upright and not using the food that sticks to the jar lid.

-Cans:
The majority of canned foods are in cans lined with BPA. There are very few manufacturers who use non-BPA lined cans because they are more difficult to source and more expensive. One company that does go the extra mile is Eden Foods. Their non-tomato based products are all in cans that use an enamel made from vegetable resins. For now, there is no stable alternative for highly acidic products like tomatoes.