FDA Admits Concerns About BPA

After years of touting its safety, the Food and Drug Administration has finally reversed its previous stance on Bisphenol-A (BPA) — chemical popularly used in plastic bottles, cans, food containers and many consumer goods — and now states that there are concerns about health risks associated with the known toxin.

The FDA specifically cited concern in the exposure of babies and young children, after mounting research finds the chemical to be linked to a host of health issues including cancer and heart disease.

“We have some concern, which leads us to recommend reasonable steps the public can take to reduce exposure to BPA,” said Joshua Sharfstein, FDA’s deputy commissioner.

Sharfstein also announced a two-year, $30 million study to answer key questions about the chemical that will help determine what action is necessary to protect public health.

Steps recommended by the FDA to reduce BPA exposure in the meantime include discarding worn or damaged baby bottles and feeding cups, heating food and drink in BPA-free containers, and checking labels to ensure containers are dishwasher and microwave-safe.