Bill Would Ban BPA in Packaging for Infants

A Washington State bill aims to ban chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in food or drink containers for children three and younger, including plastic baby bottles and cans of infant formula.

A hearing of the bill is scheduled for tomorrow in the House Environmental Health Committee, with a similar measure being sponsored in the state Senate.

BPA is used in certain packaging materials such as polycarbonates for baby food bottles. It is also used in epoxy resins for internal protective linings for canned food and metal lids.

A recent study by a team of UK researchers found that higher concentrations of the chemical in urine were linked with heart disease, type 2 diabetes and liver enzyme abnormalities.

And, in September, scientists from the U.S. National Toxicology Program said that effects on reproductive development from BPA in packaging cannot be ruled out.

The proposed ban would begin on July 1, 2010 in the state of Washington, and if it came into force, would prohibit the use of the chemical in the manufacturer or distribution of food and drink containers made for children three and under; it would also ban the use of BPA in reusable sports water bottles.

If passed, Washington would be the first state in the U.S. to restrict the sale or manufacture of the controversial chemical in some products. A similar proposal in the state of California, during the summer, failed to go through.

Canada has already banned the sale of BPA in plastic baby bottles.

Source: FoodProductionDaily.com