Thursday, March 12, 2009

‘Watch out for BPA in baby bottles’

GEORGE TOWN: Consumers need to look out for baby bottles and other food and beverage containers containing bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, which has been linked to cancer and certain disorders.

BPA is usually used in the manufacture of some polycarbonate plastics, such as clear, hard water and baby bottles.

However, more than 130 studies conducted over the past decade have linked BPA to breast cancer, obesity and other disorders, the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) said in a statement Thursday.

Six of the largest US manufacturers of baby bottles have agreed to stop selling bottles made with BPA, but it was reported that one company will continue to market its products overseas.

“This is a cause for concern as the Asian market, including Malaysia, may become a dumping ground for such unwanted products from the West,” said CAP president S.M. Mohamed Idris.

He advised consumers to opt for glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free plastic bottles which are marked with recycling codes No 1, No 2, No 5 or No 7 without the PC (polycarbonate) marking.

CAP has also written to the Health Ministry to call for an immediate halt on the sale of such products containing BPA.

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