ACC Statement on Chicago Law Restricting Bisphenol A From Certain Children's Beverage Containers

ARLINGTON, Va., May 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In response to Chicago's new law restricting the sale, after 2010, of certain children's beverage containers containing bisphenol A (BPA), the American Chemistry Council (ACC) released the following statement:

"This new Chicago law is contrary to the global consensus on the safety of BPA and ignores the expert evaluations of scientists and government bodies from around the world. These particular restrictions on the sale of baby bottles and sippy cups, intended for use by children under the age of three and which contain bisphenol A (BPA), are unwarranted.

"While ACC shares the city council's stated goal of protecting children's health we stand behind the FDA process. In February the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated: 'With regard to BPA generally, based on all available evidence, the consensus of regulatory agencies in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan is that the current levels of exposure to BPA through food packaging do not pose an immediate health risk to the general population, including infants and young children.' Within the last few months government agencies in France, Germany, Denmark, Australia and New Zealand all have issued statements concurring with the global consensus.

"ACC and its member companies that manufacture and use BPA are committed to providing the compounds and plastics that make possible a range of products that protect public health and safety. We have and will continue to develop scientific data to inform credible, transparent scientific assessments of BPA so that the public can have the confidence it deserves in the safety of these products.

"President Obama has called for a renewal of scientific integrity, stating 'science and the scientific process must inform and guide decisions...' We agree, and urge stakeholders, legislators and policy makers to support the FDA's process and its ongoing, comprehensive review of BPA. Decisions regarding the safety of consumer products should be based on the best available information and solid scientific evaluation."

http://www.americanchemistry.com 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.