Arlington, Va., Aug. 30 -- The American Chemistry Council (ACC) applauds the California Assembly for listening to scientific experts and not passing SB1713 -- a bill that would have needlessly removed safe and essential products from store shelves. The safety of food-contact products containing bisphenol A has been recently reaffirmed by scientific and government bodies around the world.
"California's legislators made the right decision for their consumers," stated Steven G. Hentges, Ph.D. of the American Chemistry Council's Polycarbonate/BPA Global Group. "Products targeted by this bill have been affirmed to be safe by government bodies around the world based on the science, most recently by the FDA."
Bisphenol A (BPA) is used in variety of products like shatter-resistant polycarbonate plastic baby bottles and the epoxy resin lining in food cans that help keep food safe from contaminants. SB1713 targeted the use of bisphenol A in food-contact products for use by children under the age of three, yet failed to consider bisphenol A's 50 year safety track record or the numerous studies from government agencies in Europe, Japan and the U.S. that support the safety of these products.
An updated safety assessment from the European Food Safety Authority in July and a new safety assessment of bisphenol A in August from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) -- and other comprehensive reviews by authorities in Europe and Japan -- have all confirmed that food contact products made from polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins, including products for infants and children, are safe for use.
The products of chemistry, such as life saving medicines and medical equipment, air bags, helmets and car seats for children are essential in helping Americans live longer, safer and healthier lives. American Chemistry encourages the development of toxicity, exposure and health-related information about its products and works with government and nongovernmental organizations to develop the scientific foundation for risk-based decision making.