LAWMAKER IS AUTHOR OF BILL TO BAN CHEMICAL

 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), chairman of the Energy and Environment Subcommittee and the author of a bill to establish a federal ban on the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) in all food and beverage containers, today hailed Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick’s announcement that he has directed the Department of Public Health to take steps to impose a limited ban on BPA. BPA is a chemical in polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins widely used for producing food containers, including baby bottles and spill-proof cups.

“I commend the Governor and the DPH for taking bold action to keep this dangerous chemical out of the reach of our children,” said Rep. Markey. “Parents have enough to worry about without wondering if the bottles and cups they use to feed their children are safe. Today’s announcement will help the most vulnerable populations steer clear of this dangerous chemical. I have introduced federal legislation to ban BPA in all food and beverage containers, and will continue to work to ensure that all members of the public are protected.”

Rep. Markey is a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over the Food and Drug Administration. In the past two Congresses, Rep. Markey has led the fight to ban BPA from all food and beverage containers by introducing the “Ban Poisonous Additives Act”, and he successfully added a provision to the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 which passed the House of Representatives on July 30, 2009.  Rep. Markey’s legislation requires the FDA to evaluate the safety of BPA and report both its findings and its plans to address them.

The FDA recently reversed the Bush Administration’s position on BPA, stating that FDA now has “some concern” about BPA’s safety and requesting additional legislative authority in order to regulate it.  As the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 moves towards a conference with the Senate, Rep. Markey will seek to add to his provisions to ensure that FDA has all the tools needed to take regulatory action.

Last August, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) issued a consumer advisory that warned pregnant women and mothers of young children to avoid the use of products containing BPA for making or storing infant formula and breast milk. The Massachusetts Public Health Council will consider a draft BPA regulation at its May meeting.

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