BPA SCARE-MORE FOODS TAINTED

The BPA scare has again crept into public attention after the recent publication by an NGO that indicted many foods containing this obnoxious chemical in measurable amounts. All foods which were found to have BPA were canned products and same was known for quite some time. The tainting of the contents in the can occurred because the epoxy linings used while fabricating the cans had BPA as one of the constituents. How ever no other foods have been reported to have BPA making the problem less acute. Alternate lining compounds are now available to replace BPA containing linings and over a period of time this problem is likely to dissolve itself.

"A consumer advocacy group's analysis of canned goods has found measurable levels of the chemical additive bisphenol A (BPA) across a range of foods, including some labeled 'BPA free'. Children eating multiple servings of some of the tested food would get doses of BPA "near levels of that have caused adverse effects in several animal studies," according to the survey by Consumers Union, a non-profit organization that publishes Consumer Reports. PLURAL CQ The group said its findings bolster the case for banning BPA from use in materials that come in contact with food and beverages, such as can linings, baby bottles and sippy cups, the group said in a letter to Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Margaret Hamburg. An FDA spokesman had no immediate comment but noted that a review of existing evidence about BPA's health effects is nearly complete and that Hamburg will "make a decision how to proceed" by the end of the month. BPA is a plastic hardener and a component of epoxy resin. Some studies have linked the chemical to reproductive abnormalities and increased risk of cancer and diabetes, and several governments have prohibited the sale of baby bottles made with BPA".

Another consoling factor is that the heath danger due to BPA has been demonstrated so far in only animal studies which help in warning about possible dangers in humans also. It is tribute to the industry that it was able to respond quickly to the findings and alternative options for containers as well as feeding bottles have been developed.

V.H.POTTY
http://vhpotty.blogspot.com/
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