UK to follow USA lead in plastic baby feeding bottles

Released on 13/03/2009

Press statement

Embargo: 09:00 hrs, Saturday 14th March

NCT asks UK to follow USA lead in plastic baby feeding bottles 

The National Childbirth Trust - NCT - is asking companies selling baby bottles in the UK to follow the USA lead and move to producing baby bottles using non bisphenol A (BPA) plastics.  

The chemical BPA is controversial and currently used in many baby bottles sold in the UK. There is evidence to suggest that the chemical can interfere with healthy growth and body functions and mimics the effect of the hormone oestrogen in the body. Babies are particularly vulnerable to hormone mimicking effects as they grow rapidly in the early months and years.

Belinda Phipps, Chief Executive NCT, says:

“The NCT welcomes the news that six USA companies have agreed to stop selling plastic baby bottles made with BPA within the United States. 

The NCT would like to see the same steps being taken within the UK. There are now viable alternatives to BPA that can be used to produce clear plastic baby bottles. There is no reason to continue using this chemical when there is concern about its potential risks to new born babies.” 

It has been reported that Avent, Disney First Years, Gerber, Dr. Brown, Playtex and Evenflow voluntarily stopped manufacturing BPA baby bottles for sale within the USA.  

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Click here for more information on Bisphenol A (BPA)

For further press information contact NCT Press Office on 020 8752 2404 or email press@nct.org.uk  For out of hours, please call 07722 839 428.  

The NCT has ISDN line on 020 8992 6499 – please call Press Office first to book.  

The NCT - the National Childbirth Trust - is the UK’s leading charity on pregnancy, birth and early parenthood – we’re with parents all the way from bump to baby. Each year the charity supports thousands of parents through a life-changing experience, offering expert information and trusted practical and emotional support through a network of 300 local branches, helplines, classes and breastfeeding counselling and we campaign for improvements to maternity care. For more information call NCT on 0300 330 0770 or visit www.nct.org.uk