FDA Finally Says BPA is Harmful but Continues to Ride the Fence

By Alicia from http://www.thesoftlanding.com/
To read the entire article click HERE.

1. FDA is taking reasonable steps to reduce human exposure to BPA in the food supply – - but the FDA is “not recommending that families change the use of infant formula or foods, as the benefit of a stable source of good nutrition outweighs the potential risk from BPA exposure.”
2. FDA is supporting a shift to a more robust regulatory framework for oversight of BPA – - but they won’t be able to impose a ban or any strict regulations because:  “Current BPA food contact uses were approved under food additive regulations issued more than 40 years ago.  This regulatory structure limits the oversight and flexibility of FDA.  Furthermore, if FDA were to decide to revoke one or more approved uses, FDA would need to undertake what could be a lengthy process of rulemaking to accomplish this goal.”
3. FDA is seeking further public comment and external input on the science surrounding BPA – - even though the FDA agrees that recent studies provide reason for some concern about the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children, they also believe that “substantial uncertainties with respect to the overall interpretation of these studies and their potential implications for human health effects of BPA exposure.”

In other words, the FDA will continue to ride the fence.  They gave a little pat on the head to the environmental groups and scientists who are convinced of BPA’s dangers, then turned around and told the chemical industry they agree that there just isn’t enough research to support more than just “some concern” – - so go ahead and continue using BPA at your discretion, just being sure to keep looking for other alternatives.