European Commission considers banning BPA in baby bottles

European Commission considers banning BPA in baby bottles

2010-11-25 02:24:01 GMT+7 (ICT)

BRUSSELS (BNO NEWS) -- The European Commission on Wednesday announced that it is considering banning the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in baby bottles and a legislation is expected to be proposed next year.

European Union health commissioner John Dalli said that the Commission intends to pull baby bottles manufactured with BPA off shops shelves across the 27 nation members due to uncertainties about its effects on infants.

"There have been a few meetings with stakeholders and the Commission has the intention to move towards a ban of BPA in baby bottles," Commissioner Dalli spokesman Frederic Vincent said.

The Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) welcomed the reports but urged the Commission to discuss banning BPA’s use on all food packaging for infants under 3 years old. Bisphenol A is considered harmful to children’s health.

"The ban should quickly be extended to all food packaging because, if babies during pregnancy are to be protected, consumption by women of child-bearing age should be avoided," said Lisette van Vliet, Toxics Policy advisor at HEAL.

The decision to pursue a ban on the chemical in polycarbonate baby bottles stems after an updated report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) at the end of September. Since then, the Commission has been discussing the issue and expects to make a decision on it before summer 2011.

Studies on BPA show increased risks for a number of health effects from breast and prostate cancer, diabetes and obesity, behavioral and reproductive problems, at doses well below the current tolerable daily intakes advised by the European Food Safety Authority.

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