Bisphenol A Found In Cans And Bottles Is Safe Says FDA

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Main Category: Nutrition / Diet
Also Included In: Public Health;  Regulatory Affairs / Drug Approvals
Article Date: 16 Aug 2008 - 9:00 PDT

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Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in cans, bottles and baby bottles has an 'adequate margin of safety', according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). When Bisphenol A comes into contact with food it is still safe, says the FDA. BPA has been used to package food for decades.

According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 93% of all Americans have traces of BPA in their urine.

This FDA draft report is in contrast to one issued by the US National Toxicology Program in April 2008 which indicated there could be a risk of cancer, as well as early or delayed puberty. According to the FDA, that study did not have enough data on varying exposure levels to justify any changes in the current safety recommendations.

A more thorough and detailed testing on adults, pregnant mothers and newborn monkeys has been recommended by the FDA - to see what effects there might be on behavior and the nervous system.

"The data reviewed on highlighted endpoints, such as the prostate gland and developmental neural and behavioral toxicity, were insufficient to provide a basis to alter the NOAEL used to calculate the margins of safety. FDA has concluded that an adequate margin of safety exists for BPA at current levels of exposure from food contact uses. At a later date, FDA will publish a separate document that provides a safety assessment of BPA exposure from other FDA-regulated products." This quote is taken from the Draft Assessment Of Bisphenol A For Use In Food Contact Applications (PDF).

According to the FDA, infant exposure to BPA is 2,000 times below safety levels. The agency says that adult exposure is 27,000 times lower than safety levels.

Canada labeled BPA as toxic and is currently considering banning its use in baby bottles. Energizer Holding Inc., and Thermo Fisher Inc., both companies that produce plastic bottles, have stopped using BPA in their new products. Twelve US states, including California and New Jersey, are considering bills to restrict the use of BPA.

Draft Assessment Of Bisphenol A For Use In Food Contact Applications (PDF)

In September 2008 outside advisers will meet and debate the chemical's safety.

Written by - Christian Nordqvist
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