Connecticut becomes second US state to ban bisphenol A

The US State of Connecticut has become the second US State to impose restrictions on the use of containers containing the plastics processing chemical bisphenol A. Minnesota imposed similar restrictions earlier this year as well as introducing a "toxic-free kids act" (CW 12 May 2009).

A law passed by its General Assembly, which takes effect from October 2011, bans the manufacture, sale and distribution of any re-usable food or beverage containers containing bisphenol A and children's infant formula and food products stored in such containers.

In response, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) issued a similar statement to that issued when the Californian Senate voted last week for restrictions of the chemical (CW 3 June 2009), saying that the decision ignores the worldwide body of scientific evidence on the risks of bisphenol A, that it is not an effective health and safety measure and will only serve to harm businesses and limit consumer choice.

• Text of Connecticut bisphenol A Act
• ACC press release