While food company Campbell, known for soups, presents itself as providing healthy, filling food to families of all incomes, the health of the food is different from the safety of the cans being used to package the food. In recent study a chemical linked to a host of health problems including behavioral disorders, obesity, infertility, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes has been traced to the Campbell soup cans. Bisphenol A (BPA), is an industrial chemical that has been used in plastic bottles and metal-based food and beverage cans since the 1960s. Recent studies have revealed BPA's potential health hazards and negative side effects. including chromosomal and reproductive system abnormalities, impaired brain and neurological functions, cancer, cardiovascular system damage, adult-onset diabetes, early puberty, obesity and resistance to chemotherapy. Campbell's soup cans are made with a chemical called bisphenol-A, or BPA — and because the chemical is in the cans, it can easily leach into the soup. Studies show that children face the worst health risks associated with BPA . 11 states have banned the use of BPA in children's products like baby bottles and sippy cups due to the health risks associated. Healthy Child, Healthy World is a non-profit that empowers parents to protect their children from harmful chemicals, has document such information. The NGO has started petitions and are raising awareness of the usage of BPA in such products like Campbell's and Coca-Cola. The Breast Cancer Fund is also launching a campaign to get BPA out of the products due to the link to an increased risk of breast cancer. Avent, Gerber, Playtex and Evenflow have already removed BPA from their baby products. Other major manufacturers like Hain Celestial, H.J. Heinz, and ConAgra – which owns brands such as Chef Boyardee, Hunt's, and Healthy Choice – have started using BPA-free can linings for certain products and are committed to removing the chemical from all packaging. However, Campbell's has refused to make any such commitments. The company's argument is that BPA is safe – an argument that has been proven wrong by research and scientist. Healthy Child, Healthy World and other non-profit organizations hope that by placing tremendous public pressure on Campbell's the company will phase out BPA for good. This past year, 26 percent of Coca-Cola Company shareholders supported a resolution, asking the company to issue a report disclosing its use of BPA. BPA has been used in the lining of aluminum cans for decades, but shareholders want Coke to consider alternatives to avoid potential health hazards. Besides Coca-Cola, Campbell's soups have been found to have 148 parts per billion (ppb) of BPA. The national average for companies in the United States is 12 ppb. BM
