The "tolerable daily intake" of bisphenol A, established by the European and US 
regulatory agencies, is based on a small number of reproductive toxicity studies 
in animals, mostly funded by industry, using protocols that adhere to regulatory 
guidelines. Many scientists consider these regulatory toxicology tests 
unsuitable for the evaluation of endocrine disrupters, because they cannot be 
used to demonstrate the effects of low doses of bisphenol A, observed in dozens 
of independent studies. Results obtained in studies of high doses of bisphenol A 
have been extrapolated to predict the effects of low-dose exposure, according to 
the principle that "the dose makes the poison". The validity of this 
extrapolation is disputed. Some human studies suggest that bisphenol A causes 
coronary heart disease, increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, and has harmful 
effects on reproduction and development. Considerable data from rodent studies 
suggest that low doses of bisphenol A affect reproduction, lipid metabolism and 
neurological development, usually following intrauterine or postnatal exposure. 
In France, the use of bisphenol A in infant feeding bottles has been banned 
since 30 June 2010, and in food packaging intended for children aged 0 to 3 
years since 1 January 2013. The ban is due to be extended to all food packaging 
as of 1 January 2015. Bisphenol A is not the only substance present in food 
packaging that could interfere with endocrine function. Too little is known yet 
about the toxicology of bisphenol A substitutes. Several studies have shown that 
exposure to bisphenol A in adults and children can be greatly reduced by 
choosing a varied diet based on fresh foods, and by avoiding the use of plastic 
tableware. To reduce exposure to bisphenol A and other chemicals with hormonal 
activity that are present in food packaging, it seems reasonable to encourage 
the consumption of fresh foods, avoiding canned food and plastic packaging for 
storing and reheating food and beverages. These precautionary measures are most 
important for food and beverages intended for pregnant women and young children.