FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Grocery Manufacturers Association Statement Regarding FDA Science Board Advisory Report on Bisphenol A (BPA)
Contact:
Scott Openshaw, Director, Communications, 202-295-3957
Brian Kennedy, Director, Communications, 202-639-5994
October 29, 2008
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) today issued the following statement from GMA Senior Vice President and Chief Science & Regulatory Affairs Officer Robert E. Brackett, Ph.D. regarding an FDA Science Board advisory group report on the safety assessment of BPA:
“Recently, a subcommittee of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Science Board was asked to review the FDA’s safety assessment for BPA. While we are currently evaluating the subcommittee’s report, we are confident that the risk-analysis approach utilized by FDA and a host of regulatory agencies around the world to evaluate the risk associated with BPA exposure is scientifically sound and appropriate.
“Product safety and regulatory decisions are made on the entire body of scientific evidence, which to date supports the safety of BPA. As new science, research and studies are conducted, it is the obligation of our industry and the appropriate regulatory authorities to review that evidence and make the appropriate decisions that ensure the continued safety of our products.
“Product safety and consumer confidence are the foundation of the food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry. Without it, nothing else we do is possible, and we constantly test and review our products and packaging to ensure their safety.
“While we appreciate FDA’s process for reviewing the safety of BPA, it is important to note that the subcommittee is an advisory group only, and that its report is the first step in a multi-step review process. That is why we support FDA’s advice to consumers that there is no need to change their purchasing or eating patterns and that food and beverages using packages that contain BPA are safe to consume.
“We call upon the FDA Science Board to consider the full weight of the evidence and opinions of other regulatory bodies from around the world as it considers the subcommittee's report. We look forward to reviewing the committee’s full report and to working with the FDA and other stakeholders to continue to evaluate the safety of BPA.”
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Based in Washington, D.C., the Grocery Manufacturers Association is the voice of more than 300 leading food, beverage and consumer product companies that sustain and enhance the quality of life for hundreds of millions of people in the United States and around the globe. Founded in 1908, GMA is an active, vocal advocate for its member companies and a trusted source of information about the industry and the products consumers rely on and enjoy every day. The association and its member companies are committed to meeting the needs of consumers through product innovation, responsible business practices and effective public policy solutions developed through a genuine partnership with policymakers and other stakeholders. In keeping with its founding principles, GMA helps its members produce safe products through a strong and ongoing commitment to scientific research, testing and evaluation and to providing consumers with the products, tools and information they need to achieve a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. The food, beverage and consumer packaged goods industry in the United States generates sales of $2.1 trillion annually, employs 14 million workers and contributes $1 trillion in added value to the economy every year.
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