New Study Links BPA Exposure to Obesity in Children and teens

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - In response to a study just published in the Journal of the American Medical Association concerning the risks associated with bisphenol A (BPA), the Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) encouraged parents to choose glass in order to lessen their children’s exposure. The new study, conducted by researchers at New York University, linked high levels of childhood and adolescent exposure to BPA to higher rates of obesity. It is the latest in a growing body of science raising concerns over BPA exposure.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a decision to ban the use of BPA in baby bottles and sippy cups, and numerous manufacturers have already abandoned the chemical in their products. “While the previous decision by the FDA to ban BPA in products used by babies and small children is the step in the right direction, this new study again raises an important question: should FDA consider banning BPA for more than just this vulnerable population?,” said Lynn Bragg, President of the Glass Packaging Institute.

Glass is the only widely-used packaging designated by FDA as “generally recognized as safe.” As such, it remains the optimal packaging choice, safely preserving the flavor and integrity of the foods and beverages it contains while lowering potential exposure to toxic compounds. “Polycarbonate plastics are made from polymers of BPA.

Those plastics used in food containers undergo processes that result in the release of BPA into food, beverages and the environment,” said Dr. Wade V. Welshons, a researcher at the University of Missouri and a member of the independent Science Advisory Board of the Glass Packaging Institute. “Over a dozen studies show current human exposure to biologically active levels of this chemical, creating a potential for a variety of health implications.” “What’s in your packaging can affect what’s in your food.

That’s why glass is the superior packaging choice for consumers and food and beverage manufacturers concerned about BPA,” noted Bragg. “In a world that is full of toxic threats, glass is the responsible choice for consumers to protect both their health and the environment.”

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About GPI On behalf of the North American glass container manufacturers, the Glass Packaging Institute promotes glass as the optimal packaging choice, advances environmental and recycling policies, advocates industry standards and educates packaging professionals. GPI member companies manufacture glass containers for food, beverage, cosmetic and many other products. GPI associate members represent a broad range of suppliers to the industry.