Plastic's convenient for transporting, storing and heating food or drinks. But concerns have been raised about the safety of a particular type of chemical found in polycarbonate plastic – Bisphenol A (BPA).

We’ve been following the debate since January 2009 and would like to see mandatory labelling of products containing BPA and a temporary ban on products for babies and infants that use it.

BPA is a chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and synthetic resins. It's found in some drink bottles, baby bottles, plastic tableware – and in the inside coating of some "tins" used for canned food.

It's possible for small amounts of BPA to leach out – although any leaching is usually at very low levels. Leaching is also more likely to happen when products are heated.

What's the worry?

BPA belongs to a group of substances that can act in a similar way to some hormones.

Some studies in lab animals raise questions as to whether low levels of BPA might have an effect on child development. BPA has also been linked to heart disease, diabetes and fertility defects.

New research by the University of Auckland published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology show that even low levels of BPA can be passed by pregnant mothers to their foetus.

How much is too much?

Good question – and it’s at the heart of the debate over BPA.

Independent expert groups have calculated how much BPA can be eaten every day over a lifetime without it causing harm to our health. A recent Swiss study found that infants aged up to six months have the greatest exposure to BPA through polycarbonate bottles, although levels are well below current safety limits.

Until recently international regulatory agencies have concluded that current levels of exposure to BPA through food packaging doesn’t pose an immediate health risk to the “general population” (which includes infants and babies).

But the tide has turned on these assurances. The Canadian government was the first to ban the sale of baby bottles that contain BPA relying on a “precautionary approach”. This approach allows for the exclusion of substances suspected of causing harm. 

Denmark is also taking a precautionary approach. From July it will be illegal to sell infant feeding bottles, feeding cups and packaging for baby foods containing BPA until research demonstrates its safety. The French government has also called for a ban on BPA until its food safety agency delivers its verdict on BPA.

An international coalition of eight scientists has called for a ban on BPA. The coalition believes it would be both prudent and precautionary if products containing BPA used for baby and children’s food packaging were withdrawn. Professor Ian Shaw, a toxicology professor at the University of Canterbury, also has doubts about BPA. He told the NZ Herald he would never, ever, feed a baby with a plastic bottle made with BPA. He thinks the way forward is to ask the question whether we really need these compounds.

The United States Food and Drug Administration has announced a review of the safety of BPA in baby bottles and food packaging. And the European Food Safety Authority is due to publish an updated opinion in June 2010.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has assessed the studies that led to the US review and its view remains that BPA in baby bottles and food packaging in Australia and New Zealand is still safe. However, it’s working with other regulatory bodies to re-examine BPA levels in Australia and New Zealand. The New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) is also of the view that there are no health concerns associated with BPA.

While the debate is going on we think New Zealand should take a precautionary approach too.

Lack of labelling

Unfortunately, manufacturers aren’t required to say if their product contains BPA.

To check whether your bottles are polycarbonate, see if the bottle has the plastic identification code “7PC”. Code “7” applies to a wide range of plastics so if there is no “PC” symbol, there’s no certain way of identifying whether it contains BPA.

Alternatives

Many baby-bottle manufacturers in response to consumer demand are now selling BPA-free bottles – generally these are labelled as “BPA-free”. We encourage all manufacturers and importers to have “BPA-free” products in their product range.

Glass, polyethylene or polypropylene are alternatives to polycarbonate. Polyethylene has the plastic identification code 1, 2 or 4; polypropylene has the code 5.

You have to be careful with glass bottles because they can break, posing a risk of serious cuts to children. Don’t give a glass bottle to a child who’s able to walk around holding the bottle. Don’t allow a child to go to sleep with a glass bottle. Throw out scratched, chipped or cracked glass bottles. 

Our view

• There’s too much scientific debate about the safety of BPA. We’d like to see mandatory labelling of products containing BPA so consumers can make an informed decision about the products they’re buying.
• We would also like to see baby bottles, feeding cups and packaging for baby foods that contain BPA temporarily banned here until more is known about the safety risk BPA poses for infants.
• If you are using plastic baby bottles make sure they’re used correctly and not damaged. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t put very hot or boiling water into polycarbonate bottles. Discard old bottles, especially if they’re scratched.
   

How to avoid BPA in baby bottles

To check whether your bottles are polycarbonate, see if the bottle has the plastic identification code “7PC”. Code “7” applies to a wide range of plastics so if there is no “PC” symbol, there’s no certain way of identifying whether it contains BPA.

Glass, polyethylene or polypropylene are alternatives to polycarbonate. Polyethylene has the plastic identification code 1, 2 or 4; polypropylene has the code 5.

More information

• Food Standards Australia New Zealand www.foodstandards.govt.nz
• New Zealand Food Safety Authority www.nzfsa.govt.nz

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