FDA decision on BPA due by Nov. 30
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
Following internal and external scientific reviews of the potential risks of low-dose exposure to bisphenol A, the agency will decide how to proceed by Nov. 30, according to acting Chief Scientist Jesse Goodman. Should FDA determine the chemical does not meet the standard of reasonable certainty of no harm, it "would announce its intent to initiate formal rulemaking to repeal or restrict some or all uses of BPA in food contact substances," Goodman said at the FDA Science Board meeting Aug. 17. Likewise, if BPA is found to meet the standard, FDA would release the review assessment, explain the results and provide advice for consumers, he added. Commissioner Margaret Hamburg told lawmakers in June of FDA's intent to reassess whether BPA is safe in food and beverage containers; the food safety bill passed by the House, H.R. 2749, would require FDA to advise Congress of its conclusion on BPA by the end of 2009 (1"The Tan Sheet" June 22, 2009)