As Congress comes back to session after a their long August break, many items are on the agenda, including the very-delayed food safety bill. Many are looking forward to seeing an amendment which may be put into place in the food-safety bill to ensure Bisphenol A (BPA), potentially dangerous and toxic chemical is banned.
BPA has been linked to an increased cancer risk and other diseases, prompting seven US states to already ban it in some form including; New York, Maryland, Washington, Wisconsin.. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Toxicology Program stated they hold “some concern” about BPA’s potential impacts on the brains, behaviors. and glands of infants, children, and fetuses. “Some concern” is defined as mid-level point on the toxicology program’s 5-level scale, which ranges from “negligible concern” to “serious concern” as it gauges the potential impacts from chemicals.
BPA is found in certain plastic bottles, including infant bottles, and food-package liners. Those bottles with BPA can then leak chemicals into the beverages or food stuffs contained in the bottles, which then make their way into the food and drink inside, and then into children’s bodies. Studies have linked BPA to health problems including increased risk of breast and prostate cancer, reproductive problems, heart problems and diabetes.
The proposed amendment would ban BPA from baby bottles, sippy cups, baby food, and infant formula. It’s just common sense that babies and toddlers shouldn’t be exposed to potentially dangerous chemicals. Therefore it is essential that the Senate pass S. 510, the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, in order to protect children’s food supply from contamination and ensure their overall safety.
