Greens call for ban on toxic baby bottle chemical

Dr Kaye said: "Mounting scientific concern should be a wakeup call to Australian food regulators.
 
"Canada has banned Bisphenol A in plastics that end up in contact with food.
 
"The six largest manufacturers of baby bottles in the USA have now buckled to consumer pressure and have committed to removing Bisphenol A from their processes.
 
"Fears of the use of this chemical are well founded. It is a known endocrine disruptor, mimicking the hormone estrogen. It potentially leaches from containers made from BPA, like baby bottles, into food.
 
"Multiple scientific studies have linked it to a range of diseases including infertility, obesity, breast and prostrate cancer, diabetes, liver and thyroid malfunction, mood disorders and attention deficit syndrome.
 
"Even small dose exposures have been shown to cause harmful effects.
 
"The latest studies showing brain and behavioral development in fetuses, infants and young children are badly affected by Bisphenol A strengthen the case for banning its use in food containers such as baby bottles.
 
"The Australian food regulator FSANZ is exposing Australian infants and children to the risk of organ damage and cancer by failing to take action.
 
"Even though FSANZ concedes this chemical is an endocrine disruptor and that it 'may' have an effect on the reproductive system, they have consistently refused to act.
 
"The Greens call on the Australian food regulator to act urgently to protect infants and all Australians by banning this dangerous chemical from use in food containers," Dr Kaye said.
 
For more information: John Kaye 0407 195 455