Nov
16
Filed Under Articles, Bisphenol-A
As we all may have already read, some plastics, mostly polycarbonate plastics can leech harmful chemicals into foods and liquids. This of course is a serious concern, especially for young developing children. There is a plethora of links to great information over in the sidebar, but I ran across a good “cheat sheet” on the Environmental California website to use as a guide for checking out your own inventory of household plastic and what to keep in mind when out shopping. Notes:
- Avoid polycarbonate plastic in food containers. Check the bottom/underside of the product. If you see “PC” (usually in or near the recycling triangle) signifying polycarbonate plastic, do not purchase it. Often a number “7” on the bottom in the recycling triangle, by itself, also means the material is polycarbonate, but not always. To be safe, avoid #7 plastic. Choose plastics labeled #1, #2, or #5 in the recycling triangle, but do not heat beverages or food in plastic containers of any kind.
- Avoid PVC plastic in food containers. Check the bottom/underside of the product. If you find the number “3” in the recycling triangle, it is made from PVC plastic and should be avoided. Choose plastics labeled #1, #2, or #5 in the recycling triangle, but do not heat beverages or food in plastic containers of any kind.
- Avoid canned foods: Unfortunately, bisphenol A can leach from metal can lining into the foods and liquids contained within. Buy baby food in glass containers, and avoid feeding your child food from cans as much as possible. You can often find popular children’s foods, such as tomato sauce, applesauce, and black beans, in glass jars.
- Choose safer containers for sippy cups and water bottles. Look for plastics labeled #1, #2, or #5 in the recycling triangle. As an alternative to hard plastic water bottles (such as the polycarbonate Nalgene bottles), try a lightweight stainless steel bottle instead.
Read the full list here.
Source: Environmental California
Related articles:
- Bisphenol-a (BPA) Crash Course
- BPA in plastics featured on Today Show
- Rubbermaid Lists BPA Free Products
US Consumer Product Safety Commission - Recent Child-Related Product Recalls
- ImagiPLAY Recalls Bead Maze Toys Due to Laceration HazardThe trees on the toys can detach, exposing a metal screw. This poses a laceration hazard to young children.
- Near Strangulation of Child Prompts Recall to Repair Window Blinds by Green Mountain VistaThe black-out roller shades and insulated roman shades have a continuous looped bead chain that when not attached to the wall or floor, hangs loosely by the blind, posing a fatal strangulation hazard to children.
- Strangulation Death of a Child Prompts Recall of Roman Blinds; Sold Exclusively at IKEAStrangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck in an exposed inner cord on the backside of the roman blinds.
- Target Recalls Dive Sticks Due to Impalement HazardThe recalled dive sticks could remain in an upright position, posing an impalement hazard to young children. CPSC banned pre-weighted dive sticks in 2001.
- Children's Hooded Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled by R&D International Due to Strangulation HazardThe jackets have drawstrings through the hood and at the waist. Children can get entangled in the drawstrings that can catch on playground equipment, fences or tree branches.
FDA Recalls
- Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall on Wegmans Italian Classics Seasoned Tomato Sauce (November 20)
- Seattle's Favorite Gourmet Cookies and Dessert Co Issues Nationwide Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Muffin Tops (November 14)
- CSI USA, Inc. Issues Voluntary National Recall of Topical Acne Cream (November 13)
Canada Recalls and Advisories
US FDA/CFSAN Food & Cosmetic Announcements
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