California has new labeling rules for canned foods taking effect Wednesday.
The state decided more than a year ago that Bisphenal A presents a health risk. Products containing the chemical fall under California's Proposition 65 rules. Those rules require a label on canned food or on a shelf where it is sold. That label should warn consumers about the product's health risk.
Health risks of Bisphenal A include reproductive disorders, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
But this spring, state officials approved an exemption for canned foods with Bisphenal A linings. Stores only have to have a sign warning of the risk at the checkout counter.
Advocates say consumers deserve a better warning system.
"If you see a sign that says some cans may have this toxic chemical in it, you don't know which cans to avoid so you'll probably avoid eating all canned foods. That's totally the opposite of what they say they want to do," said Charles Margulis of the Center for Environmental Health.
State officials softened the rules because they say the canned food industry needs more time to comply.
