FDA Accused of Using Incomplete, Unreliable Data in Support of Toxic Plastic Chemical BPA

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration relies on faulty information in finding that BPA, a widely used toxic plastic additive, is safe, according to an international group of scientists.

Bisphenol A, also called BPA, is a man-made chemical that is commonly used to make clear, hard plastic bottles shatterproof and to line the inside of many aluminum cans and other beverage and food containers. Extensive scientific research has found that exposure to BPA in high levels can cause severe developmental injuries, particularly in young children who drink from bottles and cups containing the chemical.

BPA Bans are Cropping Up

Concerns about a link between BPA and injuries to children have prompted many authorities to ban the material in plastic baby bottles, infant sippy cups, and other products designed for children. Last month, lawmakers introduced proposed legislation to ban BPA in all food and beverage containers. Also, Suffolk County N.Y. officials passed a countywide ban on the use of the chemical in children’s products.

Recently, the six largest baby bottle makers promised to stop using BPA while Sunoco, one of five BPA makers, said it will require companies buying its BPA to sign a promise that they will not use it to make products for children under age three.

Canadian officials banned the use of BPA in bottles and other children’s products in 2008.

All the while, the FDA has stuck to its guns and said that BPA is safe at currently set levels. However, the new report from scientists accuses the FDA of using incomplete and unreliable data to build its case in support of limited use of BPA.

FDA Studies are Flawed, Scientists Allege

Specifically, the group questions the two studies the FDA uses to support its findings that BPA is safe for use in food and beverage containers. The panel of scientists wants the FDA to consider additional studies to build a broader case for the use of the chemical.

One of the FDA-supported studies of BPA, conducted in 2008, contained errors and inconsistencies, the group said. European food safety officials have relied on some of the same studies as the FDA in approving the use of BPA.

While relying on flawed research to support its position, the FDA has been quick to ignore hundreds of other scientific studies that found BPA can cause harm, the group of scientists said.

Testing of BPA has identified a range of health problems in people exposed to high levels of the chemical. Heart disease, diabetes, reproductive failures, and other complications have been named as risks in laboratory tests.

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