Written question asked by Lord Harrison (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Thornton (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 March 2010.

Health: Bispenol Exposure

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord Darzi of Denham on 15 June 2009 (WA 178–9), what assessment they have made of the United States Food and Drug Administration's recent assessment of the potential effects of bisphenol A (BPA) on the brain, behaviour and prostate gland in foetuses, infants and young children; and whether they will re-examine their position on the use of BPA.

Answer: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) continues to work closely with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Commission to ensure the safety of food contact products containing bisphenol A (BPA), and that this is kept under review. The EFSA is currently assessing recent studies on BPA, including those on neuro-developmental effects and the FSA will be participating in a meeting arranged by EFSA later this month. It is expected that the EFSA opinion will be published in May. The FSA will study this opinion in detail and revise its position if it is considered necessary in the interests of consumer safety.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 2879; 718 c296WA
Session: 2009-10
Related items: Health: Bisphenol Exposure
Monday, 15 June 2009
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Children Health hazards Research Bisphenol A
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk