BPA Hazards Being Watched

"Study of Chemical in Plastic Bottles Raises Alarm" and several reports released recently may cause confusion and unnecessary alarm about Bisphenol-A (BPA) [usnews.com].

The National Toxicology Program report indicated that the effects of BPA produced negligible risk, the government's lowest possible risk ranking. In fact, the U.S. government has studied the health effects of BPA exposure for more than 40 years, and the overwhelming body of scientific evidence continues to prove that actual exposure as found in some consumer food and beverage containers has no adverse effect on humans of all ages. The FDA, the European Food Safety Authority Authority and the World Health Organization have all evaluated and approved the safety of minimal amounts of BPA used in plastic containers. Consumers can rest assured and continue to safely enjoy foods and beverages in the many forms of packaging provided without changing their purchasing or eating patterns. The food and beverage industry continues to monitor research and regulatory developments related to food packaging to ensure consumer confidence in our products. We remain dedicated to providing high quality and safe products to our consumers across America and will continue to evaluate the safety of BPA on an ongoing basis.

Robert E. Brackett
Senior Vice President and
Chief Science & Regulatory Affairs Officer
Grocery Manufacturers Association
Washington