The FDA, which had concluded this summer that bisphenol-A (BPA) was safe for our kids, is now reconsidering its position and wants to look at the issue a little further. An independent expert panel yesterday concluded that the FDA had ignored some key studies regarding the effects of BPA in babies. As you may recall, the National Toxicology Program (part of the NIH) effectively contradicted the FDA late this summer and suggested that there were still serious concerns about the potential effects of BPA.
Makes you wonder if anyone’s in charge.
But we’re learning, parents are becoming less preoccupied with the word of the gubment and are taking matters into their own hands. The mob rules and the market is driving BPA into the ground irrespective of the toxicologic quibbling in Washington. At the American Academy of Pediatrics meeting this month in Boston, I learned first hand that most manufacturers are moving BPA free. While the jury’s still out. This is probably a good thing.
As I have mentioned more than once in the past, I recommend BPA-free for anything that your child will bite, chew, eat or drink from on a regular basis. And over time this should be easier for parents to achieve.