Congress asking questions about BPA and industry tactics

Yesterday I posted a blog about the latest industry tactics to promote the continued use of the hormone-disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA) in our food packaging. There is widespread exposure to this chemical in the general public. And current levels of exposure have been associated with numerous harmful effects in animal studies including prostate cancer, mammary (breast) cancer, alterations in the development of the brain, earlier onset of puberty and changes in fat metabolism.

In just one day, several important events have taken place that are worth noting.

1. Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry A. Waxman and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Bart Stupak have sent a letter to the new administration at the FDA asking them the expeditiously re-evaluate the safety of BPA. They also expressed concern that the previous FDA administration relied too much on the BPA industry when forming their opinion that BPA was safe and have asked for a review of their process. The letter  reads, "News of an industry meeting last week to discuss ways to block restrictions on BPA suggest industry has little interest in scientific facts or the public health.  The FDA's reliance on industry studies in determining BPA's safety must be re-evaluated in light of clear signs industry is willing to mislead the American people on this public health issue."

2. Representatives Waxman and Stupak also sent a letter to the North American Packaging Alliance, the industry group that promotes the use of BPA in food can linings and asked for all the documents and participants in meetings to discuss BPA strategy for the past 2 months. This strategy was reported to include "befriending people that are able to manipulate the legislative process." And "a public relations strategy they hoped would include the "holy grail" of "showcasing a pregnant woman to talk about the chemical's benefits." Mr Waxman and Mr. Stupak have asked for a response by June 16th.

3.  An AP newswire story this afternoon about these latest developments included a quote from the FDA saying that they would be taking a "fresh look" at BPA and that their review will be completed quickly, in "weeks not months."  

4. Finally, a victory in California!! The bill to ban BPA in children's products passed by a slim margin out of the state Senate.  The bill will now go to the Assembly for consideration.

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