Campbell Soup Company is doing away with bisphenol A (BPA)-lined cans in North America by mid-2017. This new move applies not only to all of Campbell’s soups, but also Swanson broth and SpaghettiO’s pasta varieties.

In response to consumer feedback, Campbell first announced its intention to move away from BPA linings in February 2012. Since then, Campbell has tested hundreds of alternatives. Over the past 4 years, Campbell faced many challenges in trying to find linings that could be safely used with over 600 product recipes. Testing was particularly difficult for Campbells’ tomato-based products since they are naturally acidic and can react to some linings over time. Instead of BPA, Campbell says they have started using cans with linings made with acrylic or polyester materials just this month. These new BPA-free cans will roll out across the U.S. and Canada through next year. About 75 percent of Campbells’ soup products are expected to be packaged in the new cans by December.

“Our priority throughout this transition has been, and will continue to be, food safety,” says Mike Mulshine, senior program manager of packaging. “We have tested and conducted trials with hundreds of alternatives to BPA lining and believe the acrylic and polyester options will ensure our food remains safe, affordable and tastes great.”

The company is also currently testing alternatives to BPA coatings used on other packaging, including aluminum cans used for V8 beverages and metal screw top lids on glass jars.

BPA is a synthetic estrogen and industrial compound often used in polycarbonate plastics to assist with hardening and keeps food from touching metal surfaces. The chemical is believed to have negative effects on the human body, particularly during fetal development. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has banned BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups.

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