FDA Won't Back Down

WASHINGTON - Federal health officials, criticized for declaring that a controversial chemical is safe, have refused to back down and instead plan more research.

The Food and Drug Administration said it is re-evaluating its research on Bisphenol A, known as BPA, and carrying out additional studies. The letter was the agency's initial response to an independent report that found deep flaws in the FDA's conclusion that the chemical, which is used in food packaging, is safe.

BPA is used for hardening plastics that go into all sorts of consumer products and mimics some of the effects of estrogen.

Urvashi Rangan, a senior scientist with Consumers Union, said that while additional research would be useful, "the big, noteworthy part is what's missing from this letter, which is the lack of any FDA action while it investigates serious health concerns."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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