As the use of bisphenol A (BPA) has attracted increasing attention, three more states in the United States have enacted laws banning the use of BPA. These include Rockland County in New York and California, which passed legislation banning the use of BPA in certain products, and Vermont, which passed a bill and its amendments concerning BPA, which were then promulgated as law.
Rockland County, New York, passed the "BPA Ban Act" for children's and infant products.
On April 20, 2010, Rockland County, New York, passed Local Law No. 5, which prohibits the sale of children's beverage containers and teething/sucking products containing bisphenol A (BPA). Under this ordinance, no one may sell or supply for sale children's beverage containers or teething/sucking products containing BPA within Rockland County.
The law will take effect 90 days after it is filed with the New York State Secretary of State. Anyone who violates this regulation will be fined $500 for the first offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense by the Rockland County Department of Consumer Protection.
In the aforementioned law, "children's beverage containers" refers to all products designed or manufactured for the purpose of assisting children in feeding, including but not limited to baby bottles, baby bottle liners, nipples, and sippy cups. "Suckling/teething chewing products" refers to rubber nipples and teething rings designed or manufactured for the purpose of helping to relieve gum discomfort or promoting sleep or relaxation.
California has passed a law banning the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in children's food containers.
On July 1, 2010, the California legislature passed a law banning the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in children's food and beverage containers, effective July 1, 2012. The law stipulated that the detectable BPA content in baby bottles, toddler cups, and food and beverage containers must not exceed 0.1 ppm (parts per million). Infant formula manufacturers were given a transition period until July 1, 2012, after which the use of BPA in the inner coating of metal containers was prohibited.
Vermont passes bill regarding bisphenol A
On May 19, 2010, Vermont approved a bill concerning bisphenol A and its amendments into law. The main contents are as follows:
1. Effective July 1, 2012, no person or company may manufacture, sell or distribute in the state any reusable food or beverage containers containing bisphenol A for commercial purposes.
2. Effective July 1, 2012, no person or company may manufacture, sell or distribute infant formula or food products in plastic containers or bottles containing bisphenol A for commercial purposes in this state.
3. Effective July 1, 2014, no person or company may manufacture, sell or distribute infant formula or food products in tin cans containing bisphenol A for commercial purposes in this state.
In addition, manufacturers should use the least toxic substances to replace bisphenol A, and must not use the following substances to replace bisphenol A:
• Carcinogens classified as Group A, B, or C by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA);
• Substances listed in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's "List of Chemicals Evaluated as Possibly Carcinogenic" that are known or probable carcinogens, i.e., substances known to cause cancer in humans, or that may cause cancer in humans, or substances for which a list of possible carcinogens has been submitted; and
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency identifies reproductive toxins as substances that cause birth defects or harm the reproductive system or growth and development.
In the aforementioned regulations, "reusable food or beverage containers" refers to containers used for holding food or beverages, including baby bottles, leak-proof cups, sports water bottles, and thermos flasks, but excluding food or beverage containers intended to be discarded after first use. This terminology does not include commercial water cooler jugs. "Infant formula" refers to commercially sold milk powder, concentrated liquid, or human breast milk substitutes made primarily from cow's milk or soy for infants and young children. "Baby food" refers to commercially sold soft, pureed, or easily chewable pre-prepared solid foods intended for children aged two years or younger.
–Source: UNCTAD.org
