Grocery Manufacturers Association Statement Regarding FDA Science Board Advisory Report On Bisphenol A (BPA)

Main Category: Nutrition / Diet
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 30 Oct 2008 - 9:00 PDT

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The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) today issued the following statement from GMA Senior Vice President and Chief Science & Regulatory Affairs Officer Robert E. Brackett, Ph.D. regarding an FDA Science Board advisory group report on the safety assessment of bisphenol A:

"Recently, a subcommittee of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Science Board was asked to review the FDA's safety assessment for bisphenol A. While we are currently evaluating the subcommittee's report, we are confident that the risk-analysis approach utilized by FDA and a host of regulatory agencies around the world to evaluate the risk associated with BPA exposure is scientifically sound and appropriate."

"Product safety and regulatory decisions are made on the entire body of scientific evidence, which to date supports the safety of BPA. As new science, research and studies are conducted, it is the obligation of our industry and the appropriate regulatory authorities to review that evidence and make the appropriate decisions that ensure the continued safety of our products."

"Product safety and consumer confidence are the foundation of the food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry. Without it, nothing else we do is possible, and we constantly test and review our products and packaging, including those with bisphenol A, to ensure their safety. FDA and Bisphenol A."

"While we appreciate FDA's process for reviewing the safety of BPA, it is important to note that the subcommittee is an advisory group only, and that its report is the first step in a multi-step review process. That is why we support FDA's advice to consumers that there is no need to change their purchasing or eating patterns and that food and beverages using packages that contain bisphenol A are safe to consume."

"We call upon the FDA Science Board to consider the full weight of the evidence and opinions of other regulatory bodies from around the world on bisphenol A as it considers the subcommittee's report. We look forward to reviewing the committee's full report and to working with the FDA and other stakeholders to continue to evaluate the safety of BPA."

About The Grocery Manufacturers Association

The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) represents the world's leading food, beverage and consumer products companies. The Association promotes sound public policy, champions initiatives that increase productivity and growth and helps to protect the safety and security of the food supply through scientific excellence. The GMA board of directors is comprised of chief executive officers from the Association's member companies. The $2.1 trillion food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry employs 14 million workers, and contributes over $1 trillion in added value to the nation's economy.

Grocery Manufacturers Association