Welcome to Consumer Reports Advocacy

For 85 years CR has worked for laws and policies that put consumers first. Learn more about CR’s work with policymakers, companies, and consumers to help build a fair and just marketplace at TrustCR.org

CU commends CA Senate for passing BPA ban


June 22, 2011

Consumers Union & Environmental Working Group Commend CA Senate Health Committee for Passing BPA Ban; Urge Swift Passage by Senate

Sacramento, CA—Consumers Union, nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, and the Environmental Working Group commend the California Senate Health Committee for passing legislation that protects babies and toddlers from exposure to the hazardous chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA) in their food and drink containers. Assembly Bill 1319, the Toxin-Free Infants and Toddlers Act, bans the use of BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups. The bill, authored by Assembly Member Betsy Butler (D-Marina Del Ray), was passed last month by the California State Assembly and now moves to the Senate Environmental Quality Committee on Monday, June 27. The groups urge the State Senate to quickly pass this legislation.
“We thank the Senate Health Committee for putting children ahead of industry and passing BPA-ban legislation,” said Elisa Odabashian, Director, Consumers Union’s West Coast Office. “This is a wonderful day for California’s children and for their parents who can look forward to baby bottles and sippy cups in the stores in the state being free of this hazardous chemical.”
“California is now on track to catch up to China, Europe, Canada, and nine other states in efforts to protect children from the artificial hormone BPA,” said Renee Sharp, California Director of the Environmental Working Group.
The chemical and formula industries reportedly spent $5 million last year to defeat a similar bill and lobbied fiercely this time around as well claiming that BPA is safe and that safer alternatives are not available.
Consumers Union has long warned of the dangers of BPA in food containers, particularly for infants and small children. Its precautionary advice to consumers is based on more than 200 scientific studies that show clear links between BPA exposure and increased risk of cancer, diabetes, reproductive, neurological, and developmental disorders.
Studies show that BPA is in the bloodstreams of more than 90 percent of the U.S. population at levels that have shown harm in animal studies.
###

Contact:
Naomi Starkman, CU, 917.539.3924