Bisphenol A (BPA)

 

BPA (Bisphenol A) is a chemical used in certain food contact materials and first approved by FDA in the early 1960s. In recent years, concerns have been raised about BPA's safety. In August 2008, FDA released a draft report finding that BPA remains safe in food contact materials. On October 31, 2008, a subcommittee of FDA's science board raised questions about whether FDA's review had adequately considered the most recent scientific information available. Most recently, on June 3, 2009, FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret A. Hamburg testified before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce's Subcommittee on Health (written testimony is available at http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Testimony/ucm164186.htm). In response to a question about BPA, Dr. Hamburg emphasized that she takes the questions that have been raised about BPA very seriously, and she stated that the FDA's new Acting Chief Scientist, Dr. Jesse Goodman, is working with FDA scientists to take a fresh look at the science of BPA. FDA intends to explain the results of this review in late summer or early fall.