Baby Development – California Weighs Chemical Ban in Baby Bottles

By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist

When it comes to protecting children from harmful chemicals, the state of California appears to be ahead of the curve.  California was the first state to ban phthalates back in 2007, and it was only a few weeks ago that the US government finally proposed a similar, national ban.  Leading the pack once again, California may be the first state to ban bisphenol A.

Bisphenol A (BPA) was ubiquitous in the media, not mention the food and product supply, just a few months ago as alarming research was revealed regarding the potential health risks of exposure to this chemical.  Typically found in plastic bottles, baby bottles, canned goods, and many other types of food packaging; BPA has been shown in animal studies to affect infant brain and reproductive development, as well as potentially harming the unborn child of pregnant women.

The jury is still out on BPA as it continues to be a highly debated topic. It is known that BPA poses some serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations like infants and expecting women, but scientists vary on just how much we can ingest before it becomes a health risk. It appears, however, California feels there is already enough evidence for lawmakers to take action.  The proposed bill would require that all food containers and products designed for children under 3 would contain only trace amounts of the chemical.

A National Toxicology Program report stated there is indeed “some concern” that BPA causes changes in the brain and behavior; in addition to the reduction of survival and birth weights in fetuses.  Unfortunately, despite the report, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explained to congress in June that there is no reason consumers should stop using products containing BPA.

Regardless of the lack of a definitive answer, both retailers and governments are taking action.  Canada intends to ban BPA use, while Toys ‘R’ Us and Wal-Mart will not put BPA laden baby bottles on their shelves by the end of this year.  California’s proposed ban has certainly brought up a great deal of discussion from both sides of the debate.  The American Chemistry Council is lobbying against the ban claiming: “many common, everyday products could disappear from grocery stores all across California”.  Eleven other US states have considered a similar ban on BPA, yet none have passed the legislation.