FDA Gives Controversial Chemical 2nd Look

(AP)  Federal health officials, criticized for declaring that a controversial chemical is safe, have refused to back down and instead plan more research.

The Food and Drug Administration, in a letter to independent scientific reviewers released Monday, said it is re-evaluating its research on Bisphenol A and carrying out additional studies. The letter was the agency's initial response to an independent report that found deep flaws in the FDA's conclusion that the chemicalused in food packagingis safe.

Known as BPA, Bisphenol A is used for hardening plastics that go into all sorts of consumer products. The canning industry uses it for coatings that prevent leaks and bacterial contamination in metal food containers. But Canada has banned it in baby bottles, because of concern it could cause developmental problems in infants. BPA mimics some of the effects of estrogen, a powerful hormone.

"FDA is re-evaluating available data, and planning for the acquisition of additional data that will strengthen the exposure estimates from all dietary sources of BPA, with particular attention to dietary sources relevant to infants and children," the agency's letter said.

Urvashi Rangan, a senior scientist with Consumers Union, said that while additional research would be useful, "the big, noteworthy part is what's missing from this letter, which is the lack of any FDA action while it investigates serious health concerns."

[rushman71]

imprisonrove: Dagnab it!!! You beat me to it. I agree with all of these comments. To even think of giving a federal agency like this the "Yea" or "Nay" of what is being produced by pharmacutical companies, and the what is right and what is wrong in what we can or cannot use. I wonder how many more baby deaths it will take for the FDA to realize that this kind of product is bad. But at the same time, how many deaths were caused by smoking cannabis. NONE!!!
LEGALIZE MARIJUANA!!! For a better, peaceful America!!!

[us_1776]

FDA and Pharma have a very bad incestuous relationship. This is why America''s health is so at risk.

[garbosmed]

FDA to parents: "Don''t worry about BPA in baby bottles and formula containers. Don''t worry about melamine in formula, as long as there''s none of that other dangerous chemical in it, and don''t worry about whether or not that other chemical might be in the water you use to mix your formula. Don''t worry about the mercury in the baby''s flu shot, or in your tuna fish, or in your dental amalgams. The aluminum in vaccines? Perfectly safe! Don''t worry about the flame retardants in your kid''s pajamas and bedding, the formaldehyde in their MDF furniture, or the arsenic on their playground equipment. It''s all good, and when your kid winds up with asthma, ADHD, diabetes, anaphylaxic food allergies, autism, or a progressive neurodegenerative disease, we''re certain our friends in Pharma will have a pill for it."