Campbell to remove BPA chemical from its cans by mid-2017

CAMDEN, N.J. (AP) - Campbell Soup will stop using the chemical Bisphenol A in its canned products by the middle of next year to reassure consumers worried that the substance may harm their health.

The pledge announced Monday is a response to concerns that the commonly used chemical known as BPA raises the risk of cancer, brain damage and hormonal problems.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration maintains that BPA is safe at the current levels used in food.

After more than 40 years of use, Campbell still believes that BPA is among the world's safest packaging options.

Nevertheless, the Camden, New Jersey company began studying alternatives to BPA in 2012.

After extensive testing, Campbell says all its soups, gravies, Swanson broth and SpaghettiOs pasta are beginning to switch to cans without BPA linings.