FDA Science Board and BPA

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Statement on FDA Subcommittee Report on BPA

IFC Statement on FDA Science Board Subcommittee Report on Bisphenol A (BPA)

A subcommittee of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Science Board recently reviewed the FDA’s safety assessment for Bisphenol A (BPA).  The Subcommittee made recommendations for the Science Board to consider, as part of the standard multi-step scientific review process for establishing a sound risk assessment based on well-defined criteria. The International Formula Council (IFC)* appreciates the subcommittee’s review of scientific findings and their important role in this process.

IFC member companies continually evaluate food packaging and scientific research to guarantee product safety and quality, with the goal of ensuring the health and well-being of infants.  As noted in an October 28, 2008 FDA press release, “the present consensus among regulatory agencies in the United States, Canada, Europe and Japan is that current levels of exposure to BPA through food packaging do not pose an immediate health risk to the general population, including infants and babies.”  FDA noted that the Government of Canada did not ban BPA, only took steps to restrict its use out of “an abundance of caution.” 

Infant formula is the most highly regulated food in the world and remains the only safe and nutritious alternative for babies who are not breastfed.  The importance of quality infant nutrition far outweighs any potential risks from BPA.  According to the October 28, 2008 press release by FDA, Acting Surgeon General, Rear Admiral Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H. stated, “The most important thing parents can do for their babies is ensure that they receive adequate nutrition. While the best source of nutrition for babies is the mother's breast milk, infant formula remains the recommended alternative when breast milk is not an option."

The FDA’s October 28 statement, which was issued following the release of the subcommittee’s findings, reiterated the agency’s view that "based on all available evidence" current levels of exposure to BPA through food packaging “do not pose an immediate health risk to the general population, including infants and babies.”

IFC also agrees with FDA that parents who, as a precaution, wish to use alternatives for their bottle-fed babies can use glass and other substitutes for polycarbonate plastic bottles; avoid heating formula in polycarbonate plastic bottles; and consult their pediatrician about switching to powdered infant formula.

While the industry has been thoroughly evaluating the safety, quality and durability of alternatives to BPA, there are currently no other safe materials approved for use in the U.S. that meet the requirements for canned liquid infant formulas.  The infant formula industry remains committed to working in collaboration with government and regulatory authorities to protect the health and safety of infants worldwide.  This is an on-going and multi-step process that involves the highest safety criteria of any food product on the market.