Anvisa bans the sale of baby bottles containing bisphenol.
Studies indicate risks when there is exposure to the substance, even at levels below those currently considered safe.
Agência Brasil – Baby bottles manufactured in Brazil or imported for use in the country will no longer be allowed to contain the substance bisphenol A, the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) announced. The decision is based on recent studies that indicate risks arising from exposure to the substance – even at levels lower than those currently considered safe.
"Despite the lack of conclusive results regarding the risk of bisphenol A, Anvisa's decision adheres to the precautionary principle and seeks to protect children up to 12 months old," the agency stated in a note. Bisphenol A is present in polycarbonate, a substance used in the manufacture of baby bottles. According to Anvisa, the main substitute for polycarbonate in these utensils is polypropylene.
Manufacturers and importers of baby bottles will have 90 days, from the date of publication of the measure in the Official Gazette of the Union, to comply with the requirement. Baby bottles manufactured or imported within the 90-day period may be sold until December 31 of this year.
Anvisa (Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency) reported that the ban is aligned with measures already adopted in countries such as Canada and the member states and countries of the European Union. The agency added that a similar measure is expected to be adopted soon within Mercosur.