CA Bill Banning BPA in Baby Bottles Advances

The California State Assembly has passed a bill with a vote of 43-31 which would ban BPA or Bisphenol-A from all baby bottles and any other items that frequently are used by small children. The bill, SB 797, is called “The Toxin-Free Toddlers and Babies Act.” BPA has been tied to health problems including autism, asthma, infertility, hyperactivity and cancer, although the potential link is still being researched and is far from conclusive. The bill would ban the presence of BPA in feeding products including plastic baby bottles, sippy cups and baby formula containers and formula for children three and under.

SB 797 is now headed back to the Senate, where it was first introduced and passed 21-16 vote. If passed again, it would then be sent to California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to sign or veto. Schwarzenegger has not indicated an opinion on the bill.

The bill faces opposition from the American Chemistry Council. Tim Shestek, their senior director of state affairs, stated, "We don't believe that the Legislature … should be in the business of making decisions on these complex scientific questions.”

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, disagrees: "California has become a critical battleground for the future of bisphenol-A, which has been linked to early puberty, breast cancer, childhood obesity and neurological and behavioral changes such as autism and hyperactivity.”

Until January of this year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had contented that BPA posed no concern. However, the FDA is now calling for studies of the risks of BPA.

Related Resources:

• California Assembly passes bill banning BPA in baby bottles (LA Times)
• BISPHENOL A - Infant health prevails in state Assembly vote (SF Gate)
• Calif. lawmakers vote to ban BPA in baby products (Businessweek)
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