Reuters reports that a new study by British researchers has linked bisphenol A (BPA), a compound used in used in plastic drink containers and baby bottles, with health problems that include diabetes and heart disease.
The study adds yet another voice to what has been a contentious debate about BPA. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a draft assessment saying that BPA does not pose a health hazard when people are exposed to small amounts, and that conclusion has been confirmed by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Authority, Health Canada, the World Health Organization, Health and Consumer Protection Directorate of the European Commission; the European Chemical Bureau of the European Union; the European Scientific Panel on Food Additives, Flavorings, Processing Aids, and Materials in Contact with Food; and the Japanese National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, as well as the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and the American Chemistry Council.
However, the Washington Post has reported that the FDA finding “stands in contrast to more than 100 studies performed by government scientists and university laboratories that have found health concerns associated with bisphenol A (BPA). Some studies have linked the chemical to prostate and breast cancers, diabetes, behavioral disorders such as hyperactivity and reproductive problems in laboratory animals.” Both the Canadian government and Walmart have decided that baby products should not contain BPA because of these concerns, and the Consumers Union (CU) and the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) have said they disagree with the FDA conclusion.
The study adds yet another voice to what has been a contentious debate about BPA. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has published a draft assessment saying that BPA does not pose a health hazard when people are exposed to small amounts, and that conclusion has been confirmed by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Authority, Health Canada, the World Health Organization, Health and Consumer Protection Directorate of the European Commission; the European Chemical Bureau of the European Union; the European Scientific Panel on Food Additives, Flavorings, Processing Aids, and Materials in Contact with Food; and the Japanese National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, as well as the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and the American Chemistry Council.
However, the Washington Post has reported that the FDA finding “stands in contrast to more than 100 studies performed by government scientists and university laboratories that have found health concerns associated with bisphenol A (BPA). Some studies have linked the chemical to prostate and breast cancers, diabetes, behavioral disorders such as hyperactivity and reproductive problems in laboratory animals.” Both the Canadian government and Walmart have decided that baby products should not contain BPA because of these concerns, and the Consumers Union (CU) and the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) have said they disagree with the FDA conclusion.
- KC's View:
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Think it is time for labels that indicate whether there is BPA in a particular container? Because if we’re going to have all these scientists disagreeing with each other, leaving most consumers without a clue as to what they should do, maybe simply providing shoppers with relevant information is the best alternative. (Though BPA supporters will say that labels aren’t needed because it is safe, which will only extend the debate.)
If scientists cannot come to an agreement, then give me the information so I can make the decision for my family.
