FDA prohibits bottles and sippy cups containing BPA

On Tuesday, July 17, the U.S. government made the decision to prohibit baby bottles and sippy cups that were manufactured using bisphenol-A, (BPA). The American Chemistry Council, an industry trade association for American chemical companies based in Washington, D.C., initially requested that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gradually implement rules banning products made of BPA due to safety concerns.

The chemical, which is made of an organic compound, has been found to interfere with the growing nervous systems of babies and young children. Research has also shown that BPA may poison foods. In a study involving more than 2,000 participants, approximately 90 percent of people were found to have BPA in their urine. Small amounts were also found in the breast milk, cord blood and blood from expectant women.

However, it's important to note that the new rules do not prohibit the use of BPA in other bottles, such as plastic water containers. That is why, despite the phasing out the chemical in baby bottles, many people, like Sarah Janssen, senior public health scientist at Natural Resources Defense Council, say it is not enough.

''This is only a baby step in the fight to eradicate BPA,'' said Janssen in a statement. ''To truly protect the public, FDA needs to ban BPA from all food packaging. This half-hearted action, taken only after consumers shifted away from BPA in children's products, is inadequate. FDA continues to dodge the bigger questions of BPAs safety.''

As always, if you have questions about any of the baby items you are using or baby gifts you've received, you should always consult your doctor. He or she can provide you with useful information and answer any questions that you may have about products and your little one's health.