Does Aseptic packaging contain BPA's?

After complaining that to her that I could no longer eat my favorite comfort food--canned Tomato soup --my mother suggested I try the Organic Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato soup she and my Dad buy at Costco. And to assure me that it was safe, she even did a little research of her own. Here is the response she received from the company about their packaging, which looked like it could have been lined with a material containing BPA:


--- On Mon, 2/15/10, Consumer Affairs Coordinator wrote:

From: Consumer Affairs Coordinator
Subject: Pacific Natural Foods - Aseptic Packaging
Date: Monday, February 15, 2010, 1:59 PM


Dear XXXXX,

Thank you for sending us an email. As it should be, the concern for food packaging and recycling is a rising one. Pacific Natural Foods uses what is called aseptic packaging. These cartons have multiple layers to provide safety and freshness. The majority of the package is 70% paper, which is harvested from renewably managed forests. Twenty-four percent (24%) of the package is a low-density food-grade polyethylene plastic, which does not leach Bisphenol-A. This is a number four (#4) plastic. This paper and polyethylene coats a tiny amount (6%) of aluminum, which never comes into contact with your food. This packaging is safe and one of the most recommended on the market.

The aseptic packages are recyclable through a process called hydra pulping. Most recycling communities recommend putting the cartons into the paper portion of your recycling bins. Depending on the facility, we are unable to decipher how much of the carton is actually recycled, but every portion of this packaging is intended to be fully reusable. It may be necessary for you to contact your recycling and refuse company to inquire if they are equipped to recycle the aseptic cartons. We encourage you to use the following website for informative purposes:www.aseptic.org

We hope this explanation is thorough and informative. If you have additional questions or comments please do not hesitate to contact us again.

Kindly,

Cyndee Olsen

Consumer Services Coordinator
Pacific Foods of Oregon
Ph. (503) 692-9666
Fx. (503) 692-9610
www.pacificfoods.com


Please consider the environment before printing this email.
Pacific Natural Foods does not share information.