Congress, Pass Bill Requiring Labeling of Food Packaging Containing BPA
- by: Susan V
- recipient: US Congress
Human hormone disruptor Bisphenol-A is a likely component of many forms of food packaging. But manufacturers are not required to label packaging that does contain BPA.
Last month, reports Mother Jones, we found out more about how prevalent the chemical is in food packaging when the Grocery Manufacturers Association produced a database.of almost 12,000 “food and beverage products with packaging that could expose consumers" to BPA. Then, based on that data, the Environmental Working Group added another 4,000 products to the list.
Included on the list are epoxy-lined cans containing beer, whipped topping and "easy cheese" - also plastic containers for applesauce and peanut butters - to name a few.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences notes concerns about the widespread exposure to BPA’s and its “effects in fetuses and newborns." And MJ adds that BPA has been linked “to cancer, and other serious health disorders."
However, despite these concerns, FDA has taken steps to limit only very young children's BPA exposure, leaving the general public virtually unprotected and the need for legislation.
A bill sitting in committee right now was introduced last year to address that need. It was introduced by Senator Diane Feinstein, who says “Consumers deserve to know if the items they frequently purchase at the grocery store could expose them and their families to BPA."
Sign this petition to Tell Congress to pass the BPA in Food Packaging Right to Know Act (S. 821).
To Members of the United States Congress:
As a former student of Public Health. I did extensive research on the preventable adverse health effects of numerous chemical exposures. Most disturbing about my findings was the serious conflicts of interests between the companies producing the chemicals that cause disabling conditions and deadly diseases and those that market the pharmaceuticals, medical devices and equipment used in treating those conditions and diseases.
While looking into the latest research on the adverse effects of BPA exposure, I found information, in addition to that reported by the National Institute of Environmental Sciences and Mother Jones, that further justifies the need to protect the general public from these exposures. That information includes research showing the serious consequences of BPA’s endocrine-disrupting effects on the human brain which can cause hyperactivity, memory deficits and even drug addiction!
Furthermore, it’s very clear that all the exposures to BPA are unnecessary, because adequate packaging materials that don’t contain BPA are available to manufacturers.
However, until food packaging companies choose or are compelled to use safe materials, the public has a right to know if the packaging contains BPA.
Therefore I insist that Congress mandate labeling of all food packaging containing BPA - and/or any other chemical that is known to or suspected of causing serious adverse health effects to humans and/or the environment.
Thank you for your serious consideration of this request.
[Your Comments]
[Your Name]
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