Panel of Independent Scientists Rebukes FDA on BPA in baby Bottles

Cleveland Plain Dealer, Brie Zeltner
Published November 4, 2008

A panel of independent scientists advising the Food and Drug Administration told the agency it made serious mistakes last month when it reassured the public that chemicals used in baby bottles and other plastics were safe. Advertisement The rebuke by a subcommittee of the FDA Science Board, which the entire board then accepted unanimously, said that the agency's margin of safety for exposure to levels of bisphenol-a, or BPA, was "inadequate" and that the agency failed to consider all available, credible scientific evidence. BPA is used to make plastic for food packaging and other consumer and medical products, including baby and water bottles, and as a resin coating inside almost all food and beverage cans. The chemical mimics the action of estrogen, and some studies have linked BPA to infertility, early onset of puberty, and breast and prostate cancer. In September, the FDA assured consumers that there is no danger from the small amounts of BPA that leach into food and water. The Science Board did not conclude that BPA is harmful; it will leave that to the FDA to decide. Meanwhile, many environmental and consumer groups continue to call for a ban of the chemical in the marketplace. Barring that, how can we limit our exposure? Sonya Lunder, senior analyst at the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization that worked to get toxic ingredients out of cosmetics and sunscreens, says her main concern is reducing exposure for infants. Because of their small size, they may be exposed to more intense levels of BPA relative to their body size from baby bottles that have been heated (BPA may leach from plastic) and canned infant formula. The Environmental Working Group and other groups recommend switching to powder formula or, if that isn't possible, then to liquid formulas sold in glass or plastic containers. Lunder also recommends reducing canned food consumption in general because of BPA in the liners but still thinks the biggest area of concern is for infants. "No one eats only canned food for six months other than a formula-fed baby," she said.