In the News... FDA Commissioner says BPA is safe

August 15, 6:56 PMEarly Childhood Parenting ExaminerAngele Sionna

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Today, FDA commissioner  Andrew von Eschenbach spoke out about the government's not further restricting the use of BPA, which is used in the plastic of many baby bottles.

In his statement, von Eschenbach said:

You are now hearing that bisphenol A -- or BPA -- in plastic products might affect hormones in development and you may be seeing in stores plastic water bottles that are labeled “BPA Free.”

My Take on this is that science creates these products and science must inform us of their risks. With regard to BPA thus far, the science FDA has reviewed does not justify recommending that anyone discontinue using these products. But we continue to investigate new research regarding the safety of BPA. We are asking outside experts to review our work and are seeking as much technical input as possible. In September, we are holding a public meeting of such experts – as a subcommittee of our Science Board - to discuss FDA’s draft assessment of the safety of BPA in items that touch food.

Some environmental groups are criticizing the statement. The Associated Press reports:

"It's ironic FDA would choose to ignore dozens of studies funded by (the National Institutes of Health) - this country's best scientists - and instead rely on flawed studies from industry," said Pete Myers, chief scientist for Environmental Health Sciences.

Myers said the agency disregarded recent studies of bisphenol's effects included in the National Toxicology Program's April draft report. That group's review of animal studies suggested low doses of bisphenol can cause changes in behavior and the brain, and that it may reduce survival and birth weight in fetuses. A final version of the group's findings is expected next month.

You can read the rest of the AP report HERE.

Read  the rest of FDA commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach, M.D.'s full statement on BPA HERE.