Posted on by Trisha · 5 Comments

Toys ‘R’ Us to phase out bisphenol A baby bottles

Great move for the baby giant!

“All baby bottles containing the controversial chemical bisphenol A will be pulled of Toys “R” Us shelves by the end of the year, the retailer said Monday.

The company’s move to phase out products with the chemical follows Friday’s federal government announcement that Canada will ban the import and sale of polycarbonate baby bottles containing bisphenol A (BPA). If the ban proceeds, Canada will be the first country in the world to limit BPA.”

Read More…

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Posted on by Trisha · 3 Comments

Wal-Mart to ban BPA in stores; Nalgene to ditch BPA

Applause for Wal-Mart. Unfortunately, they are not phasing out BPA-containing baby bottles until 2009, but at least it’s something. Canadians should already see Wal-Mart has removed products with BPA from store shelves. I am disapointed Wal-Mart is not removing these products from all stores right away. If it’s toxic, it’s toxic.

“Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, announced today, that it was immediately removing baby bottles and other products made with bisphenol A (BPA) from its Canadian stores presently, and baby bottles containing BPA from its U.S. stores next year, coupled with Nalgene’s announced plans to phase out all BPA bottles was applauded by environmental health organizations.” Read more….

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Posted on by Trisha · 4 Comments

BPA in Mott’s applesauce containers

Flip over one of Mott’s single-serve applesauce containers and you may find the dreaded #7. I just called Mott’s and they confirmed they do use #7 polycarbonate for some applesauce containers including those in the organic line, but that #1 is also used. #7 of course is polycarbonate, containing bisphenol-a or BPA, a toxic substance known to cause cancer and other serious health problems (see below under “What is Bisphenol A?”.

Mott’s maintains the FDA says #7 is safe, but we know better, don’t we! So, my advice is to either avoid Mott’s (and possibly all single serve applesauce and fruit) or check the bottom each and every time you make a purchase to make sure you are not selecting a #7 container. Sure is frustrating, but hopefully the FDA will come to their senses soon and ban this toxic substance.

I have seen Whole Foods Kids single-serve applesauce in #5 and #7 containers, so it’s an issue apparently not limited to Mott’s. Earth’s Best may also pose the same dilemma.

What is Bisphenol A?
Bisphenol A is a harmful chemical found in polycarbonate plastic which is used to make many popular baby bottles and sippy cups, among other things. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that mimics the action of the human hormone estrogen, which alters our body’s natural pattern. BPA can leach from polycarbonate plastic, usually a hard, clear plastic that is common of many products we use everyday. Effects at even low BPA exposure include prostate cancer, breast cancer, early puberty onset, alterations in gender-specific behavior, decreased sperm count, affects on fertility, behavioral effects including hyperactivity, increased aggressiveness, impaired learning and other changes in behavior, and other problems.

Many companies use this chemical in their packaging including cans, soda cans, and plastic food containers. There is a risk of absorbing this chemical through the use of containing foods and liquids but can also leech into our water systems through landfills.

Many leading experts argue that the use of Bisphenol is safe to the human public but research may begin to further prove otherwise. No level of BPA has been deemed as safe by independent research.

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