FDA Bans BPA in Baby Bottles, Kids Cups

Jason M. Vaughn, Fox4KC, Reporting

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has banned the use of a chemical that mimics estrogen in baby bottles and children’s drinking cups.

Bisphenol A, or BPA, is used in some plastic bottles and food packaging. Most manufacturers have already discontinued use of the chemical in baby bottles, and according to the FDA, the move was prompted by a request from the American Chemistry Council – a trade organization of chemical makers – to boost consumer confidence in plastic goods.

The action does not apply to use in other plastic containers. The FDA ruled BPA safe in 2008, but concerns about the chemical have increased in the past several years.

BPA, which has been in use in plastics since the 1960′s, can leach into food and some researchers and advocacy groups have expressed concern about the potential negative effects of the chemical in infants and children.

Plastic items containing BPA are typically marked with a “7″ for recycling purposes.

Click here for more information about BPA from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.