Wegmans Weighs Pros and Cons of BPA-Free

SN STAFF

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Wegmans Food Markets is having a difficult time finding BPA-free substitutes for can linings given the drawbacks of alternatives, noted Mary Ellen Burris, senior vice president of consumer affairs, in a column posted Sunday.

“One possible alternative shortens shelf life to less than one year and can’t be used for high-acid foods like tomatoes,” she said. “Glass jars are a possibility. They’re BPA-free, but heavier and probably have a bigger carbon footprint. Always tradeoffs. When an approved substitute is found, all processors will switch.”

Wegmans recently replaced its register receipt paper that contained BPA, with BPA-free thermal paper, even though it fades over time.

Earlier changes include a switch to BPA-free infant and toddler baby bottles, sippy cups and feeding accessories. Wegmans also switched its private-brand unbreakable drinkware to a BPA-free material called Tritan, made by Eastman Chemical.