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Four things you should know about Bisphenol-A

By Jennifer | October 14, 2008 | 5 comments / Comment now

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported over the weekend of significant conflicts of interest within the FDA's BPA advisory subcommittee - namely, that the committee chair co-directs a research center that recently received a $5 million donation from an aggressive pro-BPA activist (50x the center's annual budget). From the New York Times' editorial board: "When informed of the donation, a high F.D.A. official looked into the matter and said he was satisfied that there was no conflict of interest because Dr. Philbert’s salary was not being paid through the donation. That is an incredibly narrow definition of what might constitute a conflict. ... We are not challenging the integrity of Dr. Philbert, who told the Journal Sentinel that he was impartial and denied that the Gelman family had ever tried to influence his judgment. We are certain that Dr. Philbert should have disclosed the contribution. And we are certain that the F.D.A.’s review of the matter needs to be a lot more rigorous and transparent." [link]

A new study finds a corrolation between higher levels of BPA in the body and higher rates of heart disease, diabetes and liver abnormalities. [link]

A new study suggests that BPA in the body reduces the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatment. [link]

Attorneys general from Connecticut, New Jersey and Delaware have sent letters to 11 companies behind both baby products and infant formula asking them to voluntarily stop using BPA in their products or, in the case of infant formula, their packaging. Companies include bottle makers Avent, Disney First Years, Gerber, Dr. Brown, Playtex and Evenflo; and formula makers Abbott, Mead Johnson, PBM Products, Nature's One and Wyeth. [Thanks, Sara!] This is evolving, as companies haven't received the letters yet. We've been in touch with multiple AG offices to request this letter, which we'll publish.

Categories: advocacy, BPA, politics

1. Sara [10/14/08]

Here is a link to the Attorney General’s office in Connecticut with a list of the companies - http://www.ct.gov/ag/cwp/view.asp?A=2795&Q=424832.

2. Bel [10/15/08]

Hi,
I’m not sure where to post this so please pardon me.

I really love the advice on BPA-free products on this site.

With the recent scares with China manufactured stuff (eg. lead paint on toys, melamine in milk etc.), I am trying to find BPA-free products NOT MADE IN China.

I was wondering if this may be a topic on Zrecs?

Cheers

3. Karen [10/18/08]

I thought you might be interested to know that Canada will become the first country in the world to ban BPA in baby bottles this week. Yay!!! The govt declared it a toxic substance 6 months ago so it is already pretty much gone from all our store shelves but this week they will ban importation, exportation and selling of BPA baby bottles. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20081017.wbisphenol1017/BNStory/National/home

4. Jeremiah [10/18/08]

Yes, Karen, we’ve been waiting for them to make this official! Thanks for mentioning it!

5. Kimberly [10/23/08]

Hi guys! I’ve been following you for ages now and so appreciate all your hard work on behalf of all of us!

My question is (and I can’t find an answer anywhere): is melamine a safe alternative to plastic tableware? What about Corelle dishware?

Thanks!

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