---
title: "BPA free — what it means"
description: "The item contains no bisphenol A. It is a marketing claim, not a certification. What the symbol looks like, what happens if you ignore it, and where its meaning diff"
url: https://atoneplace.net/symbol/cookware-bpa-free/
site: "At One Place"
---

# BPA free

**BPA free: The item contains no bisphenol A. It is a marketing claim, not a certification.**

## What it looks like

The letters BPA inside a crossed-out circle, or the words "BPA free" in a badge. There is no standard artwork.

## What it means

No authority owns this mark, so the wording and the artwork are whatever the seller chose. BPA is used to make polycarbonate and epoxy can linings, and it migrates into food faster when hot, acidic or scratched; the FDA banned it in baby bottles, sippy cups and infant formula packaging in 2012–2013. The gap the label leaves is what replaced it: bisphenol S and bisphenol F are structurally similar, are used in some "BPA-free" products, and are not covered by the claim. A tub marked resin code 5, polypropylene, never contained BPA in the first place — the label there is telling you nothing new.

> Defined by No standard — self-declared. Where a symbol differs between standards, the difference is described above rather than resolved — both versions are in circulation on real labels.

## Other cookware and containers symbols

| Symbol | Means |
| --- | --- |
| Microwave safe | The maker states the material is suitable for heating food in a microwave. |
| Do not microwave | Do not heat this container in a microwave. |
| Dishwasher safe | The item survives a normal dishwasher cycle. Some versions specify the top rack only. |
| Not dishwasher safe — hand wash only | Wash this by hand. |
| Oven safe | The item can go in a conventional oven, up to the stated temperature if one is given. |
| Not oven safe | Do not put this in a conventional oven. |
| Freezer safe | The container can be used in a freezer without cracking or failing. |
| Induction compatible | The pan has a ferromagnetic base and will work on an induction hob. |
| Do not use metal utensils | Use wood, silicone or nylon tools with this surface. |

## Common questions

### What does the bpa free symbol mean?

The item contains no bisphenol A. It is a marketing claim, not a certification.

### What does it look like?

The letters BPA inside a crossed-out circle, or the words "BPA free" in a badge. There is no standard artwork.

## Related pages

- [Plastic 7 marked PC — polycarbonate](https://atoneplace.net/symbol/plastic-7-pc/)
- [Plastic 5 — PP (polypropylene)](https://atoneplace.net/symbol/plastic-5-pp/)
- [Food safe (glass and fork)](https://atoneplace.net/symbol/food-glass-and-fork/)
- [Microwave safe](https://atoneplace.net/symbol/cookware-microwave-safe/)
- [Do not microwave](https://atoneplace.net/symbol/cookware-do-not-microwave/)
- [Dishwasher safe](https://atoneplace.net/symbol/cookware-dishwasher-safe/)
- [Not dishwasher safe — hand wash only](https://atoneplace.net/symbol/cookware-not-dishwasher-safe/)
- [Oven safe](https://atoneplace.net/symbol/cookware-oven-safe/)
- [Not oven safe](https://atoneplace.net/symbol/cookware-do-not-oven/)
- [Freezer safe](https://atoneplace.net/symbol/cookware-freezer-safe/)
- [Induction compatible](https://atoneplace.net/symbol/cookware-induction/)
- [Do not use metal utensils](https://atoneplace.net/symbol/cookware-no-metal-utensils/)

## Sources

- US Food and Drug Administration — FDA (https://www.fda.gov/) [Public domain (US Government)]