FDA Bans Chemical from Infant Bottles and Cups

The FDA has officially banned bisphenol A (BPA) from baby bottles and sippy cups, which should help ease parents' worries about the controversial chemical.

BPA is commonly found in plastic food storage containers, as well as in the lining of tin cans. For several years, BPA has been the target of consumer advocate agencies, which say that the chemical leaches into food, disrupting hormones and causing unhealthy changes in the body.

Even though some canned food manufacturers have voluntarily removed BPA from their products, BPA is still considered legal and safe by both the FDA and the American Chemistry Council (ACC).

What led to action

It was a recommendation from the ACC that prompted the FDA's action to ban the substance from baby bottles and sippy cups.

In a statement to the press, the ACC noted that "manufacturers of baby bottles and sippy cups announced several years ago that due to consumer preference they had stopped using BPA in these products." But confusion continued to spark political wrangling on the issue.TEXT

In July, the FDA followed the ACC's recommendation, banning all BPA-containing resins in baby bottles, sippy cups, their closures, and lids.

Advocates like Sarah Janssen, M.D., a senior scientist with the National Resources Defense Council, continue to push for the removal of BPA from all food packaging.

"This is only a baby step in the fight to eradicate BPA," Dr. Janssen says.

Always talk with your health care provider to find out more information.