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FDA Questioned About Bisphenol A Safety

Scientists say that retesting the danger levels of the chemical could take years

Oct 30, 2008 15:07 GMT  ·  By
The FDA is still under pressure from various lobby groups to delay the ban on the dangerous bisphenol A chemical, currently used in packages and plastic bottles
   The FDA is still under pressure from various lobby groups to delay the ban on the dangerous bisphenol A chemical, currently used in packages and plastic bottles

Raising concerns about the safety of bisphenol A have constantly held first page in several major publications. Scientists draw attention to the fact that the chemical, used in bottles and packages, can be very harmful to infants and even adults. Health experts say that it is unacceptable for the substance to still be in use when other replacement options are already out there.

 

Finally, all those protests against the use of bisphenol A caught up with the incorruptible Food and Drug Administration. Its refusal to listen to the numerous suggestions that cautioned the use of this particular chemical may take an unexpected toll on the agency. Its Science Board is to convene this week and discuss alternatives and solutions to the present crisis.

 

"Consumers should know that, based on all available evidence, the present consensus among regulatory agencies in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan is that current levels of exposure to BPA through food packaging do not pose an immediate health risk to the general population, including infants and babies," an FDA press release states.

 

Indeed, it's only after some people die that the current "safe" levels will be reassessed. This situation is remarkably similar to the one China faced over the past couple of months, with melamine-infested milk products. Hopefully, American officials won't turn a blind eye to the overwhelming scientific evidence that points to how dangerous this chemical is.

 

Questions about the integrity of the FDA members intensified after the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel found out that some anti-regulation partisan had made a whooping $5 million donation to the University of Michigan, where Martin Philbert, the chairman of an FDA subcommittee, is a co-director and founder. "Given the attention that now embroils this issue, however, I think it might be wise to have Professor Philbert present the results of the subcommittee report to the Board, answer related questions, but refrain from voting on the questions before the Board relating to BPA," concluded FDA deputy commissioner for policy, Randall Lutter.