Baby bottle suppliers phase out BPA

Suppliers of baby products are voluntarily phasing out the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in baby bottles due to consumer concern over the safety of the compound.

Food and Grocery Council chief executive Katherine Rich said its members took the step due to consumer demand, and not because it posed a health risk to babies.

BPA is added to many hard, clear bottles and containers, including those for adult drinks, to make them harder.

Australia, Canada, the United States, Denmark and Australia have also taken steps to limit the sale of baby bottles that contain BPA until research demonstrates its safety.

The New Zealand Food Safety Authority has evaluated the safety of BPA and plasticisers in food, including that consumed by infants from baby bottles, and concluded that levels of BPA intake were very low and did not pose a risk to public health for any age group, Ms Rich said.

Some parents are concerned over research that suggests BPA can be harmful to their children.

Ms Rich reiterated that this research was not comprehensive and credible studies showed it was not harmful.

"Sensational" stories in the media had added to their concerns, she said.

Brands that have phased out BPA in their products include Avent, Mam, Nuby, Tommee Tippee, and Watties Baby Basics' range of feeding accessories.

- NZPA