Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today praised the decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to amend its regulations and withdraw approval of the dangerous chemical bisphenol A (BPA) for use in baby bottles and sippy cups. The decision effectively bans the use of BPA in those children’s products.

Over the past few years, consumer pressure has largely halted the use of this dangerous additive in children’s baby bottles and sippy cups. Senator Feinstein released the following statement after the FDA announced its decision:

“By ending its approval of BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups, the FDA has effectively banned the use of this dangerous chemical in those products,” said Senator Feinstein. “This is a victory for consumers.”

BPA is a known endocrine disruptor, meaning the chemical interferes with how hormones work in human bodies. More than 200 scientific studies have linked BPA exposure to breast and other cancers; reproductive disorders; cardiac disease; diabetes; early puberty; and other problems. Consumer outrage over the use of BPA has led many chemical companies, manufacturers, retailers and state legislatures to halt its use.

“Consumers have shown themselves to be a powerful force, but this is only the first step” said Senator Feinstein. “The FDA must continue to evaluate the safety of BPA with an eye toward removing this dangerous chemical from all products. I urge the FDA to continue its reviews of the science against BPA and to take strong action to protect public health, including extending this ban to infant formula containers.”

In November 2010, Senator Feinstein reached a compromise with her Republican colleagues that would have phased out the use of BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups, but the agreement was scuttled at the last minute after intense lobbying by the American Chemistry Council.

###