Washington - Today, a Science Board subcommittee of government scientists and outside experts released a report citing major flaws in the Food and Drug Administration's determination that the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) is not harmful when used in a variety of everyday products, from baby bottles to cans. This report underscores numerous scientific studies that have raised concerns about the potential link between BPA and health issues, such as cancer, behavioral changes and early onset of puberty in girls.

In the wake of a National Toxicology Program draft report raising these concerns in April, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) wrote the FDA, calling on it to communicate with the public (http://menendez.senate.gov/newsroom/record.cfm?id=296419&). Today, Senator Menendez said the Science Board report is another reason for the FDA to increase public communication on BPA. He indicated that he is considering legislative options on the issue. He released the following statement:

"The Food and Drug Administration has avoided serious consideration of and communication on the potential dangers of BPA, apparently to the point of conducting a seriously flawed study. There is a lot of information out there about the potentially harmful effects of this product, which is creating a lot of public concern. It is the FDA's responsibility to protect our health with accurate studies and to communicate with the public in a frank and frequent manner. It appears that the FDA has failed to do so. I am considering legislative options on this issue."

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