Objective To set up a thin layer chromatography (TLC) assay for qualitative determination of bisphenol A in food containers as a field rapid determination method to overcome the disadvantages of laboratory instrumental analysis. Methods Bisphenol A was determined by extracting from polycarbonate (PC) water bottle with methanol, eluting with petroleum ether/ethyl acetate/acetonitrile (volume ratio 7∶3∶0.5) and developing color with iodine steam on TLC plate. And the determination results were further verified by infrared spectroscopy. Results Bisphenol A in food containers was effectively detected by TLC. Conclusion This method is convenient, sensitive and highly reproducible, and is therefore suitable for rapid field determination of bisphenol A in food containers.