BPA-Free Kids Tableware: What Parents Need to Know

What is BPA and why does it matter?

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical that has been used since the 1950s to manufacture hard, clear polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resin coatings. For decades, it appeared in everyday products including baby bottles, sippy cups, food storage containers, and the lining of food cans.

The concern with BPA is its ability to mimic oestrogen — a key hormone in the body. This means even very small amounts can interfere with hormonal signalling. Research has linked BPA exposure to developmental effects on the brain, behaviour, and the prostate gland in foetuses, infants, and young children. The EU and many countries have restricted or banned BPA in children's products precisely because of these risks.

BPA migrates from containers into food, especially when the container is heated, scratched, or in contact with acidic foods. Children face higher exposure relative to body weight than adults, and their developing systems are more sensitive to hormonal disruption.

The BPA replacement problem

After BPA was restricted in many children's products, manufacturers frequently substituted BPS (bisphenol S) and BPF (bisphenol F). Early research suggests these alternatives may have similar endocrine-disrupting properties to BPA, yet they are still technically “BPA-free”.

This is why the safest choice for children's everyday tableware is to avoid polycarbonate plastics altogether and choose materials that are inherently free from all bisphenols:

• Stainless steel (grades 304 or 316) — chemically inert, contains no plastic components. The safest and most durable option for everyday use. Read more in our stainless steel kids tableware guide.
• Food-grade silicone — a silicon-oxygen polymer with no bisphenols. Heat-stable, flexible, and safe for food contact. Used for suction bases, bibs, and soft utensils.
• Bamboo — natural, antibacterial, and free from synthetic plastics. Check that the binder used is food-grade silicone rather than melamine.

How to identify genuinely safe kids' tableware

Labels and marketing claims can be misleading. Here is what to look for:

What to look for

• CE mark— mandatory for children's products sold in the EU. Confirms compliance with the relevant safety directives.
• EN 14372 compliance — European standard for cutlery and feeding utensils for children up to 36 months, including migration limits for harmful substances.
• Published laboratory test results — a transparent manufacturer makes migration test results available. You can view ours in the Trust Center.
• Clear material disclosure— the specific material (e.g., “304 stainless steel”, “food-grade silicone”) should be stated, not just “BPA-free”.

Red flags

• No information about which specific materials are used.
• “BPA-free” on a plastic product with no further specification — it may contain BPS or BPF.
• No CE mark on products sold in the EU market.
• Unusually low prices with no certification information — often indicates low-grade materials.

Practical steps to reduce chemical exposure

• Replace damaged or heavily scratched plastic tableware — chemical migration increases significantly with surface wear.
• Never heat food in plastic containers — use stainless steel, glass, or ceramic for heating, then transfer to the child's plate.
• Avoid storing highly acidic foods (tomato sauce, citrus) in plastic containers for extended periods.
• For the most peace of mind, switch everyday tableware to stainless steel or food-grade silicone, which are inherently free from all bisphenols and plastic migration concerns.