FDA Publishes Survey of BPA and Infant Formula
January 15, 2010
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International Formula Council Statement on FDA Survey of BPA and Infant Formula
This publication follows a separate January 2010 update by FDA of their ongoing review of BPA, during which they reiterated BPA is safe in all of its current uses and noted that families should not change their infant feeding practices, including the use of infant formula.2 FDA did agree with the National Toxicology Program’s (NTP) conclusion that recent studies employing novel approaches designed to test for subtle effects have raised “some concern” about the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and young children. Therefore, FDA is working with NTP to carry out in-depth studies over the next two years to answer key questions and clarify uncertainties about the risks of BPA. However, both FDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.3 have stated the benefit of a stable source of nutrition, including infant formula and foods, outweighs the potential risk from BPA exposure.
FDA’s findings are consistent with recent surveys of liquid and powdered infant formula done by Health Canada, following which they concluded “the current dietary exposure to BPA through food packaging is not expected to pose a health risk to the general population, including newborns and infants,” and, “the nutritional benefits of baby food products far outweigh any potential risk.”4,5,6 FDA’s findings are also in agreement with the Food Standards Australia New Zealand, who, in January 2010, stated, “We have assessed the risk to infants and adults from exposure to BPA and agree with the conclusions reached by the US and European food regulators that the levels of exposure are very low and do not pose a significant health risk."7
Regulatory authorities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia/New Zealand, Japan, and others have consistently stated there is no health risk associated with the trace amounts of BPA that potentially can be detected in infant formula. Parents and health professionals can be assured infant formula is safe and nutritious. The IFC agrees with the FDA’s conclusion that no changes in feeding practices are needed.