Bowing to pressure from consumer and health advocacy groups, Campbell’s Soup Co. says it will stop using the synthetic chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in the lining of its cans. The compound, which is found in thousands of 
everyday products, has been shown to interfere with hormone production, disrupt development, and cause other health problems. Campbell’s decision comes as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers whether to ban the use of BPA in food and beverage packaging. Many companies have already moved away from BPA, which is the primary component of hard and clear polycarbonate plastics often used in water bottles and can linings. A spokesman for Campbell’s said the company has been looking for alternatives to BPA for five years, and will make a transition as soon as “feasible alternatives are available.” In 2010, FDA officials said they had concerns about the effects of BPA on the development of infants and young children, although no new regulations were introduced. Canada and the European Union have already banned the use of BPA in baby bottles.