The FDA has finally changed its stance on bisphenol-A (BPA), a controversial industrial chemical present in many hard plastic bottles and metal-based food and beverage cans. In 2008 the agency declared BPA safe, but in a January 15 announcement it joined the National Institute of Health, several states, and Natural Solutions in raising “concern about the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and young children.”
The agency plans to conduct in-depth studies about the risks of BPA—in particular, its effect on children. Meanwhile, it’s taking some long-overdue steps: supporting the replacement of BPA baby bottles and sippy cups and facilitating the development of BPA-free can liners. Until the regulations go into effect, however, you’ll have to be a smart consumer. Here, are a few simple tips:
- Avoid plastics with the No. 7 recycling code.
- Buy glass bottles when possible.
- Resist microwaving foods in plastic.
- Hand wash plastics (rather than using the dishwasher), to reduce leaching.
Also… For a roundup of Natural Solutions’ favorite BPA-free sippy cups, click here. And for the best baby bottles, follow this link.
About time! Amen and we will continue to do everything we can to get the word out. Also make sure your personal care products are not packaged in No. 7 code. We make sure we use only No. 1 or glass where practical.