The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) recently published (in English) information about epoxide resin coatings of cans that contain Cyclo-di-BADGE (CdB) and are used for oil-containing foods. BfR found that oily foods in cans can contain levels of CdB that present a possible health risk for people who consume above average amounts of the oily foods tested and are loyal to specific brands. This conclusion is based on a health risk assessment in which BfR analyzed data on the CdB content of canned fish preserved in oil.

CdB is a molecule consisting of Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE). It is formed as a by-product during the production of epoxide resins that can be used in internal coating of cans and tubes. Since a toxicologically derived limit value for the transfer of CdB to foods is not available, BfR used computer-aided simulations on the toxicity of the substance in its risk assessment.

The recently published information (in English) is based on BfR’s April 15, 2016, opinion titled, “Epoxide resin coatings of cans: substance transfer to oil-containing foods possible.” (The opinion is only available in the German.)

As a result of the review, BfR recommends that more studies on genotoxicity and sub-chronic toxicity of CdB in oily foods be conducted to confirm the safety of this substance.