Shortly after a new study linked BPA tooth fillings with behavior problems in children, the Food and Drug Administration decided to take action. It was however at the urgent request of the American Chemistry Council the FDA banned BPA use in baby bottles, sippy cups and other baby products.
BPA or chemical bisphenol-A is a compound that mimics hormone properties. Its use throughout the industries has been sparking controversy and raising concerns that BPA might in fact damage for good reproductive hormones. Some plastics manufacturers decided to drop the use of BPA in their products for years now, but they made a request the FDA bans everybody from using it in baby goods.
FDA spokesman Curtis Allen said: “FDA is amending the food additive regulations to no longer allow BPA in the plastic used to make baby bottles and sippy cups”. He added the ban would make consumers feel more “confident that these products do not contain BPA”.
Curtis Allen also emphasized the FDA ban is not linked to concerns over BPA safety, but it should be perceived as an answer to the American Chemistry Council’s petition. “The agency continues to support the safety of BPA for use in products that hold food” the spokesman added.
However, the Natural Resources Defense Council filed a petition with the FDA four years ago to request the banning of BPA use. After almost two years, the FDA simply dismissed the petition that argued BPA is not safe to use. Now, four years later, the administration agrees with the American Chemistry Council, but only to make sure all industry players are leveled.
Well, it’s not exactly such a righteous request, but at least the final end is beneficial for consumers. In a statement released by the American Chemistry Council, spokesman Steven G. Hentges said “confusion about whether BPA is used in baby bottles and sippy cups had become an unnecessary distraction to consumers, legislators and state regulators”.
CNN writes that Dr. Sarah Janssen, senior scientist with advocacy group Natural Resources Defense Council, believes the BPA ban from baby products is just a little step. “To truly protect the public, FDA needs to ban BPA from all food packaging” she said. “This half-hearted action-taken only after consumers shifted away from BPA in children’s products – is inadequate. FDA continues to dodge the bigger questions of BPA’s safety” states Dr. Janssen.
