CAMDEN, N.J. — Campbell Soup Co. is planning to complete a transition to cans that do not use Bisphenol A (BPA) linings by the middle of 2017.

The company said it began using cans with linings made from acrylic or polyester materials in March 2016 and will continue to introduce the new linings across its U.S. and Canadian portfolio through next year.

Campbell first announced its intention to move away from BPA linings in February 2012, in response to consumer feedback. Since then, Campbell said it has tested hundreds of alternatives. As the company has stated previously, the transition faced a number of technical challenges. This included identifying linings that would ensure the safety of more than 600 different recipes, such as its tomato-based products, which are naturally acidic and can react with some linings over time.

“Our priority throughout this transition has been, and will continue to be, food safety,” said Mike Mulshine, senior program manager, packaging. “We have tested and conducted trials with hundreds of alternatives to BPA lining and believe the acrylic and polyester options will ensure our food remains safe and affordable and tastes great.”

The products that will be packaged in non-BPA lined cans include all varieties of Campbell’s soups and gravies, Swanson broth and SpaghettiOs pasta. The company said it is on track to have 75% of its soup portfolio in non-BPA lined cans by December 2016. Campbell said it is currently testing alternatives to BPA coatings used on other packaging, including aluminum cans used for V8 beverages and metal screw top lids on glass jars.

Campbell also offers a wide range of products in packaging that currently does not use BPA, including cartons, pouches and PET bottles.