ACC Applauds California's Decision to Not Ban Food-Contact Products Containing Bisphenol A

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.

For more information on bisphenol A and recent baby bottle studies, please visit

http://www.bisphenol-A.org

http://www.factsonplastic.com

http://www.americanchemistry.com/newsroom

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care(R), common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $664 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation's largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.