Government announces BPA baby bottle phase out (June 2010)

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) keeps a close eye on issues related to the migration of chemicals from packaging and into food, and over the past few years has become aware of a number of reports claiming that chemicals in plastic containers may contaminate the food or liquid inside. Parliamentary Secretary for Health Mark Butler today announced the phase out by major retailers of baby bottles containing Bisphenol A (BPA).

The voluntary phase out by the Wesfarmers group (Coles, K Mart and Target), and retailers Woolworths, Big W and Aldi is the result of months of constructive discussions between the Australian Government and retailers. The phase out will begin on July 1.

“Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has evaluated the safety of BPA and plasticisers in baby bottles and concluded that levels of intake of BPA or plasticisers are very low and do not pose a risk to babies health,” Mr Butler said.

“However, the US Food and Drug Administration announced earlier this year that it is carrying out further research into the risks for babies and infants associated with BPA.”

A number of countries have responded to consumer concern and the FDA’s announcement about BPA by introducing voluntary withdrawals of BPA baby bottles from the market. Such a decision has been taken in the United States, Canada and a number of European countries.

“The Australian Government appreciates there has been a level of public concern relating to BPA in baby bottles and, as such, has worked extensively with retailers to introduce the phase out.

Information from Food Standards Australia (Jan 2010)

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has worked closely over the last few years with other Government agencies and food regulators overseas to look into any possible risks from the plastic Bisphenol A (BPA) in baby bottles and food packaging. We keep a close eye on issues relating to the migration of chemicals from packaging and into food, and are aware of a number of reports claiming that chemicals in plastic containers may contaminate the food or liquid inside.

Recently, the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) announced a review of the safety of BPA in baby bottles and food packaging. However, these products will remain on the market in the United States and the USFDA is not recommending that families change the use of infant formula or foods, as the benefit of a stable source of good nutrition outweighs the potential risk from BPA exposure.

FSANZ has assessed the studies that led to the USFDA decision to undertake a review and further research, and our view remains that BPA in baby bottles and food packaging in Australia and New Zealand is still safe. For example our dietary modelling shows that a 5 kg baby would need to drink around 80 bottles of formula a day every day for many years before it would get up to the safety limit.

However, given recent developments in the United States, we are working with other regulators and the food industry to review these developments and to reexamine BPA levels in Australia and New Zealand.