A wide-ranging consultation process has been launched by UK authorities over the EU Commission's decision to outlaw bisphenol A (BPA) in polycarbonate baby bottles from 2011. Packaging companies, trade bodies, retail groups and food manufacturers are among those being asked by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) for their views on draft national regulations to implement November's EU Directive to outlaw use of the substance in baby bottles for infants up to 12m old. Under the directive it will be illegal to use BPA in the manufacture of polycarbonate bottles from March 2011, with a total ban on the importation or placing on the market of these containers from June next year. The consultation announced this applies specifically to England although identical exercises will be carried out throughout other parts of the UK. The body said it is eager to hear from all stakeholders on a number of questions including the number of companies likely to be affected, the proportion of BPA-free bottles produced in the UK & data on BPA alternatives. The agency also wants to know the quantity & value of stock that would likely face write-off if an immediate ban were introduced.
