FDA Ban on BPA in Baby Bottles Announced on Heels of Voluntary Steps by Manufacturers

For years now there has been a great deal of concern and controversy over the use of BPA chemicals, or bisphenol-A, in the manufacture of plastics for baby bottles and sippy-cups. Last week the FDA announced and official ban on PBA use in these drink containers. The move by the FDA came in response to requests from the bottle industry which sought the formal ban on PBA.

Prior to the FDA ban, however, manufacturers in the United States, Canada, China and Europe had already voluntarily stopped the use of PBA chemicals. The steps taken by manufacturers came from a number of studies citing links to cancer, birth defects and reproductive issues from BPA.

The FDA however says that they still continue to support the use of PBAs in the manufacture of numerous other plastics including plastic water bottles and the lining cans for canned foods. The FDA considers the use of PBA in these items safe.

Some studies have reported finding trace amounts of PBA in the vast majority of people in the U.S. The BPA reportedly leaches from the food and beverage packaging into the foods and liquids. Many say that the FDA ban does not go far enough and that larger safety concerns over PBA still exist. Some manufacturers have already stopped using PBAs in some can linings.