Migration of chemicals from plastics into food

Often at gatherings, mother's group, lunch with friends - conversation touches on food and the quality of foods we provide to our children - organic foods, sugars, fats etc. I think most of us have been concerned at one time or other about chemicals leaching from plastic containers into food, especially baby bottles, drink bottles and general food packaging.

It was at one of these gatherings, when we were discussing Heinz and Golden Circle not being Australian owned that the conversation turned to chemical migration from packaging into food and specifically baby food.

The EU banned certain carcinogens in food packaging related to Bisphenol-A (BPA) type chemicals - also chemicals known as BADGE and BFDGE and NOGE as they were found within the food content and therefore easily ingested by people. BADGE and NOGE were prohibited since 1 Jan 2005.
Refer to: Restriction of epoxy derivatives in food packaging)
Further info can be read at: Miljstyrelsen

Why then are these chemicals not banned in Australia? I would think Australian food manufacturers who manufacture in the EU, such as Heinz are fully aware of these bans. So why do they continue to ignore and continue to accept the use of these chemicals in Australian food packaging? It's distressing that our children cannot be provided with safe food when compliance with these bans is achievable elsewhere. How do we get these profit generating companies and boards of directors to set aside money and ambitions to protect our future generations? I would have thought a company such as Heinz, which specifically targets the provision of foods for infants and toddlers would be at the forefront of providing The BEST for our kids and for all people, it's not sufficient to say they comply with the laws, knowing they are deficient.

Perhaps this is just another example of dollars at the expense of community health and honesty. The only thing that can be done is to make as many people as possible aware of the laws in the EU and personally choose to not use these products.

I take great pride in buying Australian, but perhaps in this instance buying Australian made is not always the best - European foods may be safer.