In late 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) reached an agreement that the FDA must provide a specific response to the restrictions on the use of bisphenol A in food packaging containers and other food contact materials by the end of March 2012.
On March 30, 2012, the FDA issued a document to the NRDC, rejecting the NRDC's request due to a lack of strong scientific evidence. The FDA rejected the request to remove regulations allowing the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact containers and did not intend to ban the use of BPA in food. The FDA also questioned the evidence presented by the NRDC. However, the US industry hoped that the FDA would amend the legislation.
The Endocrine Society, the world's oldest and largest endocrine association, has accused the FDA of neglecting overall research on bisphenol A (BPA). The association's leaders expressed their hope that the FDA would conduct small-dose tests to study the effects of BPA on the endocrine system before deciding whether to allow the continued use of BPA.
Note: Bisphenol A (BPA), industrially known as polycarbonate, is widely used in the production of shatterproof plastics and is one of the world's most widely used industrial compounds. It is used in the manufacture of baby bottles, water bottles, sporting goods, medical devices, eyeglasses, CDs, DVDs, and household appliances, with a very broad range of applications. However, BPA has been proven to be an endocrine disruptor or environmental estrogen that interferes with hormone levels in humans and wildlife, leading to stunted growth and affecting the development of the reproductive, nervous, and immune systems. Due to its wide range of uses, its safety has become a focus of public concern.
Endocrine Society's Draft Recommendation to the FDA: http://www.endo-society.org/media/press/2012/Endocrine-Experts-Disappointed-in-FDAs-Approach-to-BPA.cfm
FDA's official document to NRDC: http://www.americanchemistry.com/NRDC_Letter
Source: Chemical Watch & The Endocrine Society (March 29, 2012) (Compiled by PIDC)
