I praise Trader Joe’s on their efforts to provide consumers with BPA-free cans. Bisphenol-A is found in epoxy resins that line the inside of cans and plastic number 7, polycarbonate. BPA is a hormone mimicker and has been linked to reproductive system abnormalities, impaired brain and neurological functions, cancer, cardiovascular system damage, adult-onset diabetes, early puberty, and obesity among numerous other health ailments. The response I received from Trader Joe’s is in regards to which of their canned goods contain BPA.
Trader Joe's
Hi Ross,
Thank you for taking the time to contact us and I apologize for the delayed response! We do have some Trader Joe’s canned items with linings that contain BPA and in this way we are in the same position as all other retail grocers.
Below is a summary of TJ’S products and their BPA status.
Good: All our canned fish, canned chicken and canned beef are now in BPA-free cans EXCEPT: Sardines, Crab, Cherrystone Clams & Oysters (all those suppliers are working for 2012 solution).
Good: All our canned fruits and vegetables (including tomatoes, and the Organic Canned Pumpkin when it returns this Fall) are in BPA-free cans EXCEPT: Mandarins, Hatch Chilies, Artichokes, Organic Baked Beans (expecting transition this Fall).
Bad: All of our canned Soups and Stews (including Joe’s Os) are in cans that DO have BPA. Some of the suppliers are expecting they will be able to make transition next year.
Good: Coconut Milk is in a BPA-free can.
We are handling this issue in the same manner as previous matters of concern: we’re listening to the feedback our customers are providing and exploring options to put that feedback into place in a meaningful way.
Thank you,
Nicki K.
Trader Joe’s
Customer Relations
I have made it my personal goal to live a lifestyle that is free of toxic chemicals, whenever possible. We, as customers, have the power to steer company’s in the right direction through our everyday purchases. This response from Trader Joe’s is a wonderful example of companies listening and acting upon the needs of the customer. When we refuse to purchase cans that contain BPA, we send a powerful message to companies. First though, we need to uncover which cans are BPA-free. This information is not listed on cans. I recommend emailing companies and asking them whether they have BPA-free cans and expressing to them the importance in providing customers with BPA-free cans.
~Ross
Reference:
Environmental Working Group. In bisphenol-A. Viewed on February 15th, from http://www.ewg.org/chemindex/chemicals/bisphenolA.
