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Aluminum Can Safety
Our scientists, and the independent scientists with whom we have consulted, have thoroughly reviewed the data and have assured us that our beverage cans pose no public health risk. In addition, government regulators around the world have reviewed the science independently and have repeatedly stated that current levels of exposure to BPA through beverage packaging pose no health risk to the general population, including children. Our top priority is to ensure the safety and quality of our products and packaging through rigorous standards that meet or exceed government requirements. If we had any concerns about the safety of our packaging, we would not use it. In all of our discussions with stakeholders we have been very transparent and fully disclosed non-proprietary information to assure them that our products are safe. At the same time, we also are prepared to protect our business in any eventuality. All of the information we can share at this time is available here as well as through our assessment document. We encourage our consumers, shareowners, and other stakeholders to review this information as we want them to be as confident in the safety of our products as we are. We will update this information if and when there are any significant developments. Why do you maintain that the levels of BPA found in aluminum Coke cans are safe? The clear scientific consensus is that there is no risk to the public from the miniscule amounts of BPA found in That consensus is accurately reflected in the opinions expressed by those regulatory agencies whose missions and responsibilities are to protect the public's health. Regulatory agencies in Australia, Canada, the European Union, Japan, New Zealand and the United States all have conducted extensive reviews and determined that current levels of exposure to BPA through food and beverage packaging do not pose a health risk to the general population. We believe it is reasonable and appropriate to take the lead from these agencies that regulate our business. In 2010 and 2011, in response to the highly publicized controversy, some scientific and regulatory groups decided to undertake their own reviews of the existing literature.
In addition, three new studies (described below), including one lauded by a leading endocrinologist as being "majestically scientific and cautious," support the prevailing evidence that BPA is safe for humans. Can you share details of the new studies that support the consensus that BPA is safe for humans? Yes. In 2011, the results of three newly published studies reinforced support for the consensus that current levels of exposure to BPA through food and beverage packaging do not pose a health risk to the general population.
We will continue to monitor and assess the research, regulatory environment, consumer and shareowner interest, and business impacts associated with BPA. In addition, we are closely monitoring public policy discussions and developments and are working with various stakeholders and industry organizations to communicate about the scientific consensus on the safety of BPA. Why is BPA in Coke can liners? BPA is a chemical used worldwide in making thousands of materials, including some plastics, coatings, and adhesives. Virtually all metal cans used for food and beverage products are lined on the inside with a coating that uses BPA as a starting material. This coating guards against contamination and extends the shelf life of foods and beverages. BPA is also used in the manufacture of shatter-resistant bottles, medical devices (including dental sealants), sports safety equipment and compact disc covers. It has been used for more than 50 years. We are aware that a limited number of metal can producers are using an older generation of can lining material as an alternative for some specialty products. Such alternatives do not work for the mass production of aluminum beverage cans, and they do not work for all types of food or beverages. Is BPA found in your PET plastic bottles? No. Our bottled water and plastic soft drink containers are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, which does not contain BPA. Are you looking for alternatives to can liners with BPA for We continuously look for alternatives to improve our packaging, while maintaining its safety and quality. That's a good business practice that benefits our consumers, our shareowners and our Company. We are balancing the need to address some public perceptions of BPA with the need to be thoughtful, careful stewards of the safety, quality and performance of our products and packaging. To that end, our chemists, toxicologists and packaging experts are working closely with a network of packaging suppliers – which includes companies that make aluminum beverage cans, companies that make liners for aluminum beverage cans and companies that adhere the linings to the cans – that are all seeking alternatives to can liners containing BPA. We also are working with leading-edge technology companies and research organizations to develop innovations in can linings. All packaging components that come into contact with food or beverages must undergo safety assessments and stringent testing to be permitted for use by the U.S. FDA or other applicable regulatory authorities. Any new material, assuming it has all necessary regulatory approvals, also would have to meet our requirements for safety, quality, taste and performance. We would not replace a packaging material we are confident is safe with one that is not proven or effective. Why hasn't The While we have been asked numerous times to share more information about these efforts, information about status, timelines, materials and processes being evaluated is proprietary to our suppliers' businesses and to their suppliers, and we are not in a position to divulge it. While we believe our role in this process is important, the metal packaging industry is highly standardized and we are just one company involved in this process. If you are convinced liners containing BPA are safe for Coke and other beverage cans, why are you working with your suppliers to look for alternatives? We are confident that all of our packaging is safe. We also recognize that some of our consumers and shareowners have expressed concerns and initiated campaigns to legislate alternatives to can linings containing BPA. While we do not believe such action would be based on sound science, our continuous improvement efforts in this area will help ensure we are prepared for any eventuality so that we can protect our business and our consumers' and shareowners' interests. I've read reports that your shareowners have submitted proposals asking you to eliminate BPA from your cans and you have refused to do so. Is that true? No. The requests from a few of our shareowners, submitted as Shareowner Proposals at our 2010 and 2011 Annual Meetings, were to create a report on our efforts at It is also important to note that about 75 percent of the votes cast by our shareowners for the 2011 Annual Meeting were against the proposal for a report. Why don't you do the report that certain shareowners requested? All non-proprietary information that could be included is already available here on the Company's website. Information on the materials, status, testing, and timelines would be proprietary to our suppliers' businesses and to their suppliers. We therefore believe we have substantially implemented the proposal that these shareowners submitted. Click to see the full comments on these shareowner proposals in our 2010 and 2011 Proxy statements. What will you do if regulators decide to ban BPA in aluminum cans? We respect the regulators and will abide by any decisions that they make. We trust that any actions will be based on sound science. Where can I get more information? More information on BPA can be found on the following organizations' websites. American Council on Science and Health European Food Safety Authority Grocery Manufacturers Association |
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