Hearing on Packaging Chemical Imminent

The FDA is set to provide more information to the public later this month about its safety review of Bisphenol A (BPA), the chemical found in packaging.

A spokesperson for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) told FoodProductionDaily.com that it will update its Science Board in a public meeting on 24 February regarding its continued assessment of BPA in FDA-regulated products, including food contact applications.

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.

The FDA's handling of BPA has been criticized by scientists and U.S. lawmakers.

Last year, the agency claimed the packaging chemical was safe at current levels in consumer products but it used industry-funded reports to support this assessment.

The scientific community argued that the FDA, in its review of the chemical, should have also included independent studies that have raised uncertainties regarding the potential effects of low dose exposure to BPA in humans, in particular infants.

In December, the agency said it was undertaking further research on BPA, which would include consideration of some of those studies.

Source: FoodProductionDaily.com