Got babies? #NHhouse voted to BAN use of BPA in baby food products. Tell your #NHSeantor to vote YES on this bill!!!

HB 1182, prohibiting the sale of baby food products containing bisphenol A in New Hampshire.  MAJORITY:  INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE.  MINORITY:  OUGHT TO PASS.

Rep. Matt J Quandt for the Majority of  Commerce and Consumer Affairs:  This bill prohibits the manufacturing and selling of baby bottles with BPA. BPA has been used for years and practically every soda can is lined with BPA.  Currently manufacturers uniformly no longer use BPA and most will state on the package that they are BPA free.  The committee felt that since the industry was already addressing the issue, the legislation was not necessary. Vote 14-2.      

Rep. Donna L Schlachman for the Minority of  Commerce and Consumer Affairs:   Most of the committee had never heard of bisphenol-A (BPA) or knew that it can be found in thousands of commonly used plastic products, including baby bottles and containers of infant formula.  The American Chemistry Council testified to the safe use of  BPA in the linings of most canned foods, and stated that extensive testing has found it to be perfectly safe.  Unfortunately, there is conflicting scientific data as to whether or not BPA is linked to serious health problems.  Both the American Chemistry Council and the International Formula Council testified against this bill, stating that it is not a health hazard. The FDA has also ruled, to date, that it is safe. It may well be that the ban of its use in other states and in many countries around the world was premature and based on fear mongering.  It should be noted, however, that the amount of BPA in canned food varies widely, with infant formula having among the highest concentration of BPA according to a 2007 study by an independent laboratory. While BPA may be found in most of us, the highest levels have been detected in infants and young children.  The committee heard that many manufacturers have stopped using BPA in baby products. The minority would rather err on the side of caution regarding the health of newborns and infants, and is more comfortable prohibiting its use in infant formula and baby food storage containers and in reusable baby food or beverage containers.  We do not feel relying of parents to be knowledgeable about BPA and know to look for it on labels of everything they buy is enough protection.