BRUSSELS, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Manufacturers in the European Union next week will no longer be able to use a controversial chemical additive in the production of baby bottles.
The ban on bisphenol-A also covers the marketing and importation of baby bottles containing the additive as from June 1.
Manufacturers in the EU are voluntarily withdrawing baby bottles containing BPA and replacing them with other products. The voluntary action was expected to be completed by mid-year.
"Due to the fact that there are uncertainties concerning the harmfulness of the exposure of infants to bisphenol A, the (European) Commission deemed it both necessary and appropriate to take action," said John Dalli, the EU commissioner in charge of health and consumer policy.
BPA is an organic molecule that is used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics, which in turn are used to make plastic materials, such as baby bottles.
At the end of March 2010, the Danish government temporarily banned the use of BPA in the manufacture of plastic materials coming in contact with food intended for children up to three years old. France took a similar move in July.
The European Food Safety Authority found in September that BPA is safe up to a daily intake of 0.05 milligrams per kilo of bodyweight, but it also raised some questions with respect to the possible impact of the chemical on infants.
