ACC Calls on FDA to Update Review of Bisphenol A

ARLINGTON, Va., April 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Chemistry
Council (ACC) today sent a letter to FDA Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach
requesting FDA to update its review of the safety of bisphenol A in food
contact applications.

The extensive body of scientific study regarding bisphenol A is well
documented and well reviewed. Nevertheless, recent media reports have raised
concerns about the safety and use of polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins,
unnecessarily confusing and frightening the public.

An updated review of bisphenol A in food contact applications, led by the
premier food safety agency in the United States - the FDA - will help explain
the extensive scientific review that has already been conducted on this
compound. And this review will allow the agency to issue the most recent
evaluation of all the science, and all agency reviews to date, quickly and in
a way that is understandable to the public. We believe that an update by FDA,
accompanied by a clear communication from the agency about what the science
means, is needed, and ask FDA to move forward promptly with this review. It
is important that FDA move as quickly as possible to undertake this review,
since the results, regardless of outcome will help better inform the public.

The use of polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins for food contact
applications has been and continues to be recognized as safe by the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration, the European Food Safety Authority, the Japanese
Ministry for Health, Labor and Welfare, and other regulatory authorities
worldwide. Members of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) are committed to
openly and transparently sharing environmental, health and safety data with
the government and the public. Today, people are living longer, safer and
healthier lives through the essential benefits provided by the business of
chemistry.

Bisphenol A is used to make polycarbonate plastic, a shatter-resistant and
clear material used in a wide array of products ranging from plastic bottles
and eyeglasses to sports safety equipment, as well as components of lifesaving
medical devices such as incubators and kidney dialysis machines. It is also
used to make durable epoxy resins, materials used as the coating in most food
and beverage cans, helping to protect the safety and integrity of our food
supply.

A copy of the letter can be downloaded at www.americanchemistry.com
Additional information on plastics and bisphenol-A www.factsonplastic.com and
www.bisphenol-a.org

To listen to a recording of today's press conference:
Replay dial-in: 18004756701
International: 3203653844
Access code: 920003
www.americanchemistry.com/newsroom

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged
in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to
make innovative products and services that make people's lives better,
healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and
safety performance through Responsible Care(R), common sense advocacy designed
to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research
and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $635 billion enterprise
and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation's largest
exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports.
Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and
development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC
members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with
government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to
the nation's critical infrastructure.

SOURCE American Chemistry Council

Tiffany Harrington of the American Chemistry Council, +1-703-741-5583,
tiffany_harrington@americanchemistry.com