Bisphenol A, a chemical banned from baby bottles last year, has been detected in considerable amounts in samples of almost every canned drink product tested by Health Canada in a survey conducted by Health Canada.

Bisphenol A has migrated from the plastic coating on the cans which is applied to protect the food from direct contact with metal. Studies in animals have also linked this compound to cancer and infertility.

This estrogen-mimicking compound has been found in highest quantities in health drinks. Significant amounts of this chemical has also been detected in a wide variety of ginger ales, diet colas, root beers and citrus-flavored sodas.

The average BPA level that was detected in all the products tested was around 0.5 parts per billion while the highest level was registered in Rockstar Energy Drink at 4.5 parts per billion. The report said that at this rate an adult would have to consume more than 900 cans in one day before approaching the tolerable daily intake level set by Health Canada, thus putting all the health concerns to rest.

"The results of the study were extremely reassuring in that they have confirmed previous assessments conducted by Health Canada - that exposure to bisphenol A in food packaging application, and in this specific case, from soft drinks or from canned drinks, is actually not conducive to any human health concern," said Godefroy, director of the bureau of chemical safety in the food directorate of Health Canada, on Thursday in Ottawa.