German institute says BPA safe for baby bottles, but not in teats

The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) has published a set of frequently asked questions regarding bisphenol A (BPA) and its effects. In it the Institute says that there is no health risk for babies fed from bottles made of polycarbonate.

BfR states: “Following careful examination of all studies, in particular the studies in the low dose range of bisphenol A, BfR comes to the conclusion in its scientific assessment that the normal use of polycarbonate bottles does not lead to a health risk from bisphenol A for infants and small children.”

The Institute also points out that there are potential risks associated with using alternatives to baby bottles made of bisphenol A, such as glass, polypropylene and polyether sulphone.

However, BfR says that while tests indicating migration of BPA from baby teats and dummies have been difficult to confirm, “baby teats in general should not contain bisphenol A and that it is avoidable.”

• BfR BPA Q&A