BOTTLED WATER BUSINESS: IBWA Corner
But in 2009, Health Canada, which is Canada’s counterpart to FDA, determined that an adult would have to consume approximately 1,000 liters of bottled water (264 gallons) from a polycarbonate contain- er in a single day to reach the Total Daily Intake level for BPA set by Health Canada’s Food Directorate. The results of Canada’s survey clearly indicate that exposure to BPA through the consumption of bottled water does not pose a health risk to consumers. FDA is conducting in-depth studies to determine whether BPA poses a health risk to consumers. IBWA and the bottled water industry support further scientific scrutiny of BPA. The FDA says it supports reasonable steps to reduced exposure of infants to BPA in the food supply, but labels this step as “preliminary” and as a “precaution.” The FDA’s statement notes infants are sin- gled out as they are a potentially sensitive population for BPA because their neurologi- cal and endocrine systems are still develop- ing and they have a reduced ability to detox and eliminate a substance such as BPA. Based upon all available scientific evi- dence, the present consensus among regu- latory agencies in the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan and New Zealand is that the current levels of exposure to BPA through food packaging do not pose an immediate health risk. Polycarbonate plastic has been the mate- rial of choice for food and beverage prod- uct containers for nearly 50 years. During that time, many international studies have been conducted to assess the potential for trace levels of BPA to migrate from lined cans or polycarbonate bottles into foods and beverages. The conclusions from those studies and comprehensive safety evaluations by gov- ernment bodies worldwide are that poly- carbonate bottles are safe for consumer use. WT any changes in food packaging or con- sumption by either industry or consumers that could jeopardize food safety or reduce intake of food needed for good nutrition. The FDA statement did not make any spe- cific mention or recommendation regarding polycarbonate bottles used in the home and office sector of the bottled water industry. studies “using novel approaches to test for subtle effects,” it has “some concerns” about the potential effects of BPA on infants and young children. FDA did not take any formal action to pro- hibit the use of BPA in any food products. In fact, FDA cautioned against making Cookware Is Still The Best Way To Close Sales And Get Leads N U T R I · S T A H L ™ THE ORIGINAL... STILL THE BIGGEST! STILL THE BEST! (Continued from page 48)
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This column is provided by the International
Bottled Water Association (IBWA), Alexandria,
VA. Founded in 1958, IBWA is the trade association representing the bottled water industry. To
reach the IBWA, go to: www.bottledwater.org,
or call (703) 683-5213.
