The latest controversy about canned food is BPA–Bisphenol-A–leaching into foods from the lining of cans. A 2004 study by the CDC-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-revealed that this hormone disrupting chemical can found in the bodies of 95% of Americans. The plastics industry says that a little BPA is not harmful. (www.Bisphenol-A.org). However, there is much contradictory data from watchdog agencies such as: www.environmentalhealthnews.org or www.bisphenolafree.org.
What canned foods are safe?
First, anything in glass jars or paper boxes will not contain BPA. This includes many of the spaghetti sauces, salad dressings, oils, fruits, jams, soups, alternative milks (soy, almond, rice, coconut) and juices, Pomi tomatoes in boxes, or BioNature tomatoes in glass jars.
Some of the foods that are actually in cans are also safe because the companies have taken the initiative to provide BPA-free cans. Here is a partial list:
Eden beans, and rice and beans, Bearitos refried beans, Vital Choice salmon, Native Forest coconut milk, and pineapple, Wild Planet light tuna, Trader Joe’s canned vegetables-corn, beans, chicken, seafood, (their chili and soups are not in BPA free cans,) Imagine, Pacific and Kirkland boxed soups and broths. Muir Glen states that they are “in transition” regarding BPA free cans, so watch for specific products.
Canned foods like the ones I have listed are a wonderful convenience. Who has time to cook their own tomato sauce from fresh tomatoes? Or cook a pot of beans all day? Or make your own chicken, vegetable or meat stock for soup? And who doesn’t love a good tuna or salmon salad? Canned fish keeps all its food value, even when canned, and is a great source of protein.
All of these foods are wonderful for winter meals. I think I’ll go open up a box of organic butternut squash soup, and a can of refried black beans!