The call by nine French senators to restrict the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in food applications – see Plasteurope.com of 21.08.2009 – contradicts the scientific conclusions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the French Food Safety Authority (AFSSA), says the PC/BPA Group of the plastics manufacturers association PlasticsEurope (Brussels / Belgium; www.plasticseurope.org).

PlasticsEurope terms recent media reports that France may ban BPA on fears of adverse health effects “highly exaggerated.” This especially as both AFSSA, French health minister Roselyne Bachelot-Narquin and the authorities of several other European countries have confirmed “repeatedly” that the substance does not present a public health risk. The association expressed support for the French government’s plans to base its regulatory approach “on the available sound science” and the assessments of the relevant authorities.

Numerous countries have initiated proceedings to ban the use of BPA in containers for infants and young children, most prominently Canada. Several US states have already banned the substance for baby bottles and cups – for most recent coverage see Plasteurope.com of 31.08.2009 and 14.08.2009.