Toxic BPA: FDA Rejects NRDC Request to Restrict BPA, says National Work Group for Safe Markets

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National Work Group for Safe Markets

Mar 30, 2012, 06:39 ET

Bisphenol A linked to obesity, reproductive & endocrine illness, cancer

WASHINGTON, March 30, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made an announcement today responding to a petition from Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to prohibit BPA use as a food additive. FDA has stated it will not ban BPA as a food additive. Media reports relay that FDA stated it did not have enough scientific evidence to warrant a ban.

As part of a court ordered agreement that resulted when NRDC sued FDA for failure to respond to their petition, the decision must include a final evaluation of BPA safety.

"Obesity, diabetes, thyroid disease and cancer are associated with endocrine disrupting chemicals like BPA. We can prevent this exposure by doing what many other countries have done; ban it from products related to food," comments Cindy Luppi, Clean Water Action, New England.

Sarah Doll, SaferStates, says, "Eleven states have already passed policies to restrict the use of BPA in food and beverage containers and additional policies are pending in numerous state houses. While FDA continues to delay much-needed action, many states will continue to show BPA the door."

"The next decision the FDA should make is to remove 'responsible for protecting the public health' from its mission statement," said Jane Houlihan, Scientist and Senior Vice President for Research of the Environmental Working Group. "It's false advertising. Allowing a chemical as toxic as BPA, and linked to so many serious health problems, to remain in food means the agency has veered dangerously off course."

"As a nurse who sees chronic diseases and disorders linked to BPA exposure, I believe in using modern science to protect human health. FDA can protect Americans and restore the public trust. They caved to industry pressure and squandered that opportunity," comments Katie Huffling, MS, RN, CNM, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments.

"The marketplace has shifted. Consider the expansion of companies like Owens-Illinois, a multinational glass company that stepped up hiring and production to meet the need for safer BPA-free glass baby bottles," adds Mike Schade, Center for Health, Environment & Justice. "Even BPA maker Sunoco changed its policy and won't even sell BPA to manufacturers whose products can expose BPA to children. Phasing out BPA is a win for our health, and a win for greener jobs and a greener economy."

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SOURCE National Work Group for Safe Markets