The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association Calls for Calm in the Media Amid Baby Safety Bottle Concerns

MT. LAUREL, N.J., April 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) strongly urges the media to stop circulating news stories with speculations as to the impending release of Health Canada's assessment of bisphenol A (BPA). The news reports being circulated by the media are misleading and needlessly frightening to consumers.

"JPMA is extremely disappointed in the media for speculating that Health Canada's assessment of BPA would recommend labeling the chemical a dangerous substance, when in fact the report has not even been issued yet," said Robert Waller, Jr., CAE, president of JPMA. "Retailers in Canada have begun removing products containing BPA from the shelves because of misleading reports. The fact of the matter is businesses are now hurting because of it."

According to the National Post, Health Minister Tony Clement said yesterday, "There's no need for retailers to assume the role of regulator when it comes to deciding which products are safe for sale in Canada."

In fact, sound and respected scientific research has consistently shown there is no danger to consumers when products are used as intended. Trace levels of bisphenol A from consumer products are well below any level that could cause harm to adults or to our children.

Found in a wide variety of products, lightweight and shatter-resistant polycarbonate plastic has been the material of choice in baby bottles for 25 years. The potential for exposure to bisphenol A from bottles has been extensively examined and the results reviewed by government bodies worldwide that have responsibility for assessing the safety of consumer products.

There is significant data available on the safety of BPA. From baby bottles and food packaging, to bicycle helmets and eyeglass lenses, as well as incubators and components of many life-saving medical devices, polycarbonate plastic makes everyday lives better and safer.

JPMA encourages parents to contact the bottle manufacturer if they have a question or concern. Most of the manufacturers have toll-free numbers and many have information posted on their Web sites.

JPMA is committed to educating the juvenile product industry and the public about the safety of polycarbonate baby bottles. To that end, JPMA has established a Web site, http://www.babybottle.org/, as a resource for anyone looking to learn more about the safety of plastic baby bottles. For more information on the safety of juvenile products, please visit:
The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association exists to advance the interests, growth and well-being of the juvenile products industry through advocacy, public relations, information sharing, and business development opportunities.

For more information about the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, contact the executive office at 15000 Commerce Parkway, Suite C, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054; phone: 856-638-0420; fax: 856-439-0525, email: jpma@ahint.com, or visit: http://www.jpma.org/.

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Source: Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association

CONTACT: Yarissa Reyes, +1-856-439-0500 x4420, yreyes@ahint.com, for
Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association

Web Site: http://www.babybottle.org/
http://www.jpma.org/

2008-04-17 18:43:55 0339273 PRNEWSWIRE