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New Health Canada Data On Bisphenol A Strongly Supports the Safety of Bottled Water, Baby Food and Infant Formula Products

Posted on: Thursday, 9 July 2009, 16:27 CDT

ARLINGTON, Va., July 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Reports released today by Health Canada on research conducted by its scientists confirm that the levels of bisphenol A (BPA) in bottled water, baby food and infant formula are extremely low. These new government data confirm Health Canada's previous conclusion that exposure to BPA through food packaging uses is not expected to pose a health risk to the general population, including newborns and young children.

"As noted by Health Canada, an adult would have to drink approximately 1,000 liters (or 264 gallons) of water from polycarbonate water cooler bottles every day to approach the science-based safe intake limit for BPA recently established in Canada.

"No BPA was detected in any of the canned powdered infant formula samples tested. The level of BPA found in baby food packaged in jars clearly indicates that exposure to BPA through consumption of these products is extremely low. Health Canada noted that the nutritional benefits of baby food products far outweigh any possible risk.

"Health Canada's new data provides further support for recent assessments from eleven regulatory bodies around the world that determined BPA is safe for use in food contact products. These regulatory bodies include: the European Food Safety Authority, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Danish Environmental Protection Agency, French Food Safety Authority, Swiss Office for Public Health, and Food Standards Australia-New Zealand.

"Polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins, both made from BPA, are widely used in food packaging to protect the safety and integrity of foods and beverages. Clear, shatter-resistant polycarbonate water cooler bottles are also lightweight and reusable over many cycles. Epoxy resin coatings prevent corrosion of metal cans and lids and contamination of foods and beverages.

"ACC and its member companies have long-supported research to advance scientific understanding about chemicals, and we are committed to providing the compounds and plastics integral to products that help protect public health and safety."

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care(R), common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $689 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation's largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.

SOURCE American Chemistry Council

Source: PR Newswire

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