01.BPA-free food for babies and kids
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical that has been used for many years to make polycarbonate plastic bottles and to line food cans to prevent corrosion. BPA is an endocrine-disrupting chemical which interferes with our body’s own hormones, and small amounts can migrate from the plastic into the food.
Our own testing showed that some baby foods contained BPA at potentially harmful levels. While Heinz has since announced that they will phase out BPA from all their baby products we’d like the Australian government to ban BPA in all foods designed for babies and young children, as well as canned foods commonly consumed by children such as baked beans and spaghetti.
Experts are divided on the potential health hazards, but there is sufficient concern for Canada, Denmark and some US states to have banned the sale of baby bottles made using BPA. Australia’s Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing Mr Mark Butler recently announced a ‘phase-out’ of BPA in babies’ bottles.
Email Mr Butler and tell him that you want all foods made for babies and toddlers to be BFA-free.
1 Sep 2010
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CHOICE believes our national food regulator could be more proactive in protecting the health of Australian consumers.
10 Mar 2006
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There’s no convincing evidence that pesticide residues are bad for your health at the very low levels permitted in fruit, vegetables and other foods. But the research isn’t conclusive.
12 Jun 2008
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In our test of food in glass jars, half contained the plastic-softening chemicals epoxidised soybean oil or phthalates at levels exceeding EU limits.
5 Aug 2010
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There are sound reasons to avoid foods containing palm oil and choose products that use healthier and more sustainable vegetable oils.