New research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows a significant spike in urine BPA (bisphenol-A) levels in individuals consuming canned soup products.

According to a new law set to be effective next month throughout the European Union, water sold in bottles in any of the 27 member countries is no longer aloud to claim that the product is able to prevent dehydration. Penalties for labeling and selling bottled water as such could result in a two-year jail sentence.

California Governor Jerry Brown signed the Toxin-Free Infants and Toddlers Act into law on October 4, 2011 making it illegal beginning July 1, 2012 for any baby bottles or sippy cups sold in the state to contain the toxic chemical, Bisphenol-A in the state of California.

While controversy continues to surround the safety of BPA (bisphenol-A), the widely used chemical compound found in a variety of polycarbonate plastics, France's ecology minister, Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, announced she's seeking labeling requirements for any food containers that contain BPA sold in France.

Pressure from a number of shareholders demanding a plan of action by the Coca-Cola Company to eliminate bisphenol-A (BPA) from its soda can linings was not met with empathy at Wednesday's company meeting in Atlanta.

Coca-Cola, the number one selling brand of soft drinks in the world, is under pressure to publicize a plan of action over shareholder concerns about bisphenol A (BPA), a toxin found in plastic bottles and can linings, which make up a core market segment of the manufacturer's offerings.

A Swedish scientific research team has determined that health issues as minor as inflammation and as serious as cancer may be linked to cardboard packaging made from recycled newspapers.

The Chinese Ministry of Health announced earlier this month that it had decided to pursue approving a ban of BPA (bisephenol A) from children's products, particularly in infant bottles.

Women exposed to pesticides and plasticizers are more likely to have fertility problems and lower birth-weight babies, says a new study.

Plasticizers (or phthalates) are chemical additives used to increase plasticity and softness of materials like plastic, clay, cement, and concrete. Bisphenol A - notoriously known as BPA - is found in some plasticizers.

Poblano and chipotle peppers, sweet potatoes, roasted garlic, lemongrass and lentils are just a sampling of the flavorful ingredients you’ll find this fall in Pacific Natural Foods’ new line of vegetarian soups and chowders.

The bistro-inspired collection features all-natural ingredients, including vegetables, legumes, savory herbs and zesty spices.

Six flavors will be available:

1. Vegetable Lentil & Roasted Red Pepper Soup
2. Poblano Pepper and Corn Chowder
3. Rosemary Potato Chowder
4. Thai Sweet Potato Soup
5. Chipotle Sweet Potato Soup
6. Roasted Garlic Mushroom Lentil Soup

“America’s hunger to explore adventurous  new flavors has reached the humble soup bowl,” says Pacific VP of Sales and Marketing Tim Ramsey. “We scoured recipes and restaurant menus for flavor inspiration and created a new collection of hearty classics that reflect regional favorites, as well as global cultural trends.”

No can openers are needed for the soups, which are packaged in easy-to-open, pour-and-close, BPA-free cartons. Pacific’s “Tetra Recart” packaging helps preserve ingredients’ integrity while delivering a product that’s fresh and less processed, with no tin aftertaste. Cartons are shelf-stable for up to 24 months.

Suggested retail price is $2.69 to $3.29 for a 17.6-oz. package.

Look for the soups at your local natural and organic food store in October. Follow the company on Twitter for updated information.