NEWS RELEASE

Committee on Energy and Commerce
Rep. John D. Dingell, Chairman

Committee Leaders on Science Board Review of FDA's Bisphenol A Assessment

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Science Board released its review of the agency’s Draft Assessment on the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA), calling the assessment “inadequate.” The Science Board’s review is the latest step in the FDA’s re-evaluation of BPA, which was initiated after the Committee on Energy and Commerce launched an investigation into the safety of the chemical earlier this year.

Some scientists have raised concerns that BPA affects brain development and could contribute to diabetes, cancer, and obesity.

The Committee investigation revealed that the FDA used only two industry-funded studies out of the hundreds of available studies to determine BPA’s safety. Only one of the studies had undergone peer-review and publication. The Science Board’s review found substantial and significant limitations in the FDA’s assessment of BPA, including the exclusion of numerous, adequate studies.

"Unlike the FDA, the Science Board had the sense to recognize that the totality of scientific evidence should be evaluated when determining the safety of a potentially hazardous chemical,” said Rep. John D. Dingell (D-MI), Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. “I commend the Science Board for its work and await the FDA’s final decision.”

“It amazes me that the FDA requires a Science Board report to tell them to consider all the available scientific studies when evaluating the safety of a chemical,” said Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI). “Although I applaud the Science Board for its report, we must remain vigilant of the FDA. The agency’s efforts on BPA have not instilled complete confidence in its ability to protect the public.”

"I commend the Science Board for recognizing that two reports funded by the industry are not enough to determine the safety of BPA," said Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ). "Our Committee has repeatedly urged FDA to conduct more independent research in order to protect the public, particularly when it affects our children. I hope that this report serves as a wake-up call."

Dingell and Stupak began investigating BPA in January 2008 by asking the largest liquid infant formula manufacturers to find a safer alternative and to remove the chemical from product packaging, which the manufacturers agreed to do. Retailers such as Wal-Mart and Toys “R” Us have also announced plans to pull products containing BPA from store shelves. In addition, attorneys general from Connecticut, New Jersey, and Delaware recently asked 11 companies to stop using BPA in their baby bottles and baby formula packaging as a result of the health concerns associated with the chemical.

Additional information about the Bisphenol A investigation is available on the Committee’s website at:

http://energycommerce.house.gov/Investigations/Bisphenol.shtml. For a copy of the Science Board report click here.

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