Loyalist Foods Ltd. processes and sells a wide variety of canned food. It follows industry practice in its use of bisphenol A (known as BPA), a chemical used in the epoxy resin lining the inside of cans used in food and drink packaging and the metal lids of glass containers. BPA prevents contamination and lengthens the shelf life of products, but it also mimics estrogen and disrupts biological processes. Since small amounts can seep from the lining into the contents of the containers, the use of BPA has become controversial. Health Canada has banned BPA from plastic baby bottles and has added BPA to its list of toxic substances. Research shows a danger for infants, but there is little evidence of risk for adults. Consumers have reacted to the publicity surrounding BPA by essentially abandoning plastic water bottles.
Loyalist is concerned about the future use of BPA. It fears an aversion by consumers toward cans containing BPA and wonders what Health Canada may do next. What legal risks does Loyalist face regarding BPA? What changes to its marketing program should Loyalist consider?