Can BPA in canned food liners increase preterm birth risk?
BPA from canned food liners is worth reducing during pregnancy when easy swaps exist. The evidence links BPA exposure with preterm birth risk, but it does not prove one canned food causes preterm birth.
What the research says
BPA is used in some epoxy resins for food packaging, including can linings. A 2015 Environment International study measured BPA in fresh, frozen, and canned foods from Dallas. BPA was found in 73% of canned food samples and in only 7% of non-canned foods at low levels.
That means canned food can be a real BPA source. It does not mean every can has the same amount, and it does not mean one meal decides a pregnancy outcome.
What this means for preterm birth
A 2021 meta-analysis in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety reviewed BPA exposure during pregnancy and preterm birth. The pooled result found higher preterm birth odds with higher maternal urinary BPA exposure.
This is association research. It does not prove canned food liners cause preterm birth. It does support lowering steady BPA exposure during pregnancy, especially when the swap is simple.
What to do at home
Use fresh, frozen, or glass-packed foods when they work for your budget. If you use canned food, drain and rinse when that fits the recipe, and avoid heating food in the can.
For leftovers and pantry staples, glass storage is a practical move. It will not remove every BPA source, but it reduces one common food-contact material in your kitchen.