by Michael Kaiser
5.25.16
The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has issued emergency regulations that would require manufacturers, including wineries, to warn consumers about the chemical called bisephenol A (BPA). OEHHA has listed BPA as a female reproductive toxicant under Proposition 65. Proposition 65 is decades old ballot initiative that protects California citizens and the state drinking water from chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. BPA is the latest chemical added to the list. BPA may used in synthetic corks and plastic liners in screwcaps and linings. Two alternative closures that wineries have been using for years. Wineries should check with the manufacturer of their closures to determine if a warning is required.
As of May 11, any winery that manufactures, imports or distributes in California a product containing BPA must provide a warning to consumers. The warning needs to state:
WARNING: Many food and beverage cans have linings containing bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical known to the State of California to cause harm to the female reproductive system. Jar lids and bottle caps may also contain BPA. You can be exposed to BPA when you consume foods or beverages packaged in these containers.
Retailers and tasting rooms are required to post 5” X 5” signs at the point of sale. OEHHA emergency regulations also require that a BPA warning be posted prior to a California consumer purchase of wine via the Internet. The warning should be visible to consumers at the check-out point on winery websites.
For more information go to: www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/BPA.
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Questions? Contact Michael Kaiser, Director of Public Affairs, mkaiser@nullwineamerica.org.
WineAmerica is the national voice the American wine industry. Based in Washington, D.C., WineAmerica represents wineries in 43 states and leads a coalition of state and regional wine and grape associations. As an industry leader, WineAmerica encourages the dynamic growth and development of American wineries and winegrowing through the advancement and advocacy of sound public policy.
