Label Warning Delay For Metal Cans

Sacramento, CA — California’s Environmental Protection Agency is pushing back specific warnings labels out of fear of scaring off both stores and shoppers in poor neighborhoods.

Some community groups are protesting the decision to delay health notices that were due out in May for some metal cans that contain higher levels of the chemical bisphenol A, or BPA.  Studies have shown those chemicals can harm reproductive systems, according to state EPA officials.  The worry now is that too-specific warnings could keep stores and shoppers in poor neighborhoods away from some of the only fruit and vegetables available.  Instead, the state will require stores to post general warnings that some cans contain BPA.

A spokesperson for the can trade association, Kathleen Roberts, says she fears the BPA warnings will confuse shoppers.