FDA: BPA exposure does not pose health risk

In contrast to Health Canada's recent consideration of a ban on baby bottles that contain the chemical bisphenol-A (BPA), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that current BPA levels do not pose a safety risk to humans.

Norris Alderson, PhD, Associate Commissioner for Science at the FDA, explained the FDA's current position on the safety of BPA in a testimony before a Senate subcommittee on May 14. He referenced Health Canada's report that found the amount of BPA exposure in plastic products such as baby bottles is unsafe for newborns and infants.

Dr. Alderson stated that according to the FDA's own assessment, the exposure to BPA in these products is well below the levels that would cause adverse health effects. He emphasized, however, that the FDA's evaluation of BPA safety is an ongoing process that, upon review of new data, may yield conclusions that differ from their current position.