Toxic baby formula prompts inquiry

JANUARY 21, 2008—Bisphenol A, a chemical found in many children’s and infant products, is the subject of a congressional investigation.

Recently, a study found baby formula companies used cans lined with a resin containing bisphenol A, a chemical linked to hyperactivity, reproductive abnormalities and pediatric brain cancer in lab animals as well as suspected of causing breast and testicular cancer.

“There is concern in the scientific community that this chemical, bisphenol A, may be harmful both to adults and children,” Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., said in a statement. “It would seem obvious that we would try to protect babies and infants from chemicals that may be considered dangerous to adults.”

In November, the FDA said that bisphenol A is safe for infants and adults.

The International Formula Council, a trade group that represents the nation’s large formula makers, said the formula is safe.

“Parents using infant formula should not be alarmed,” Marisa Salcines, the trade group’s spokeswoman, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “No changes in infant feeding practices are recommended.”

Developed as synthetic estrogen, bisphenol A came into commercial use as an ingredient in polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resin to line food and beverage cans. Annually, more than 6 billion pounds is produced to line baby bottles, dental sealants and a wide array of other products.

“There appears to be at least circumstantial evidence suggesting that BPA can be harmful to adults,” said Rep. Al Wynn, D-Md., the chairman of the subcommittee on environment and hazardous materials, in a statement about the investigation. “On its face, it seems unwise to expose infants to such a potentially dangerous substance.”

Read more: News & Issues, Bisphenol A, BPA, FDA, toxic baby formula

By Care2 editorial staff

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Akay B.

9:27AM PDT on Mar 11, 2012

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send a green star

Teresa W.

4:45AM PDT on Jun 4, 2011

scary

KS G.

6:28PM PDT on May 6, 2011

Thanks for the article.

Melissah C.

5:08PM PST on Jan 4, 2011

thanks

Colleen M.

8:40AM PDT on Oct 24, 2010

Why was this synthetic chemical dispersed so widely in the first instance? Further on this subject of sanctioned mass poisoning to human brains, why do a few Western governments persist with sodium fluoride (dangerous industrial waste product)? It's maintaining cumulative calcification of bones and also pineal gland (in the brain) to perpetuate learning and behaviour problems, crime, lethargy, sleep and weight problems, arthritis, ageing, and dependence on BigPharma ($$$).

Rose F.

7:28AM PDT on Sep 24, 2010

Breast is Best!

Ann E.

8:54AM PDT on Aug 22, 2010

This was an extremely important issue in 2007- still is, for that matter. I am amazed that it prompted only a single prior comment several years later.

Loretta K.

9:33PM PDT on Apr 7, 2010

This sounds horrible.