The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) published a revised list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) on the subject of PET bottles (FAQ dated 28 May 2025). PET is the abbreviation for polyethylene terephthalate, a plastic used to manufacture many beverage bottles and other food packaging.
One of the main concerns among consumers is whether hormone-active substances from PET bottles are transferred into beverages. According to the BfR, a comparison between mineral waters from PET bottles and glass bottles shows no difference in the hormonal effects measured in cell cultures.
Furthermore, neither bisphenol A (BPA) nor orthophthalates or other plasticisers are used in the manufacturing of PET bottles. They were therefore either not detected at all in mineral waters or were found in such low concentrations that they cannot explain the hormone-like activities measured.
Even contamination with BPA and acetaldehyde, a substance produced during the manufacturing/storage of PET bottles, which can cause odour or taste deviations even in small quantities, is not expected to have any adverse health effects, according to the BfR.
