In what could be the latest example of regulatory overreach, the U.S. Senate seems set to vote next week on a bill sponsored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) that would effectively ban the use of Bisphenol A (BPA).
You may not be familiar with the chemical’s name, but you’ve most certainly come into contact with it, as it is one of the most commonly used chemicals found in a whole host of plastic products including food containers, as well as metal cans. Before you start to worry – it is considered safe.
The FDA has long said it’s safe as currently used. Just a few weeks ago, the FDA updated its findings, again saying it’s safe. (In fact, the quote from a commissioner was: "If we thought it was unsafe, we would be taking strong regulatory action.") The European Union’s regulators (who tend to be a lot more stingy when it comes to these things and generally tend to make environmental policy decisions based on suspected risk and not on evidence) say it’s safe. A whole body of regulators around the world – backed up by science – says it’s safe.
But apparently the substance has been sufficiently vilified by environmentalists and part of the media, because all the findings deeming BPA safe for use in current low quantities do not seem to sway Sen. Feinstein and her nanny statist friends who continue their crusade – which is not only unneccessary, but potentially hazardous, as BPA is a chemical that prevents food spoilage and contamination. Without it, metal cans, for example, could not withstand high temperatures needed for sanitation purposes – and there is currently no safe alternative available.
Never mind, says Sen. Feinstein, we’ll go ahead and ban it anyway.
ATR and CFA have called on Senators to reject the ban.
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