If you’re a curious consumer who pays close attention to how foods and beverages are packaged or stored, you’ve probably heard about BPA. But you may still have the question, “What is BPA?”

Did you know that BPA is primarily used to make polycarbonate plastic, a sturdy plastic sometimes used in food storage containers?

It’s also used to make epoxy resins. Epoxy resins have been widely used for more than 30 years, to line food and beverage cans, protect food quality and nutrition, and extend shelf life.

On safety, the United States Food and Drug Administration says that BPA is safe at the very low levels that occur in some food.