Released on: October 29, 2008, 2:06 pm

Press Release Author: GMA

Industry: Food & Beverage

Press Release Summary: The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) today issued the
following statement from GMA Senior Vice President and Chief Science & Regulatory
Affairs Officer Robert E. Brackett, Ph.D. regarding an FDA Science Board advisory
group report on the safety assessment of bisphenol A:

Press Release Body: WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 29, 2008) - - The Grocery Manufacturers
Association (GMA) today issued the following statement from GMA Senior Vice
President and Chief Science & Regulatory Affairs Officer Robert E. Brackett, Ph.D.
regarding an FDA Science Board advisory group report on the safety assessment of
bisphenol A:
"Recently, a subcommittee of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Science Board
was asked to review the FDA's safety assessment for bisphenol A. While we are
currently evaluating the subcommittee's report, we are confident that the
risk-analysis approach utilized by FDA and a host of regulatory agencies around the
world to evaluate the risk associated with BPA exposure is scientifically sound and
appropriate.
"Product safety and regulatory decisions are made on the entire body of scientific
evidence, which to date supports the safety of BPA. As new science, research and
studies are conducted, it is the obligation of our industry and the appropriate
regulatory authorities to review that evidence and make the appropriate decisions
that ensure the continued safety of our products.
"Product safety and consumer confidence are the foundation of the food, beverage and
consumer packaged goods industry. Without it, nothing else we do is possible, and we
constantly test and review our products and packaging, including those with
bisphenol A, to ensure their safety.
FDA and Bisphenol A
"While we appreciate FDA's process for reviewing the safety of BPA, it is important
to note that the subcommittee is an advisory group only, and that its report is the
first step in a multi-step review process. That is why we support FDA's advice to
consumers that there is no need to change their purchasing or eating patterns and
that food and beverages using packages that contain bisphenol A are safe to consume.

"We call upon the FDA Science Board to consider the full weight of the evidence and
opinions of other regulatory bodies from around the world on bisphenol A as it
considers the subcommittee's report. We look forward to reviewing the committee's
full report and to working with the FDA and other stakeholders to continue to
evaluate the safety of BPA."


About The Grocery Manufacturers Association:
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) represents the world's leading food,
beverage and consumer products companies. The Association promotes sound public
policy, champions initiatives that increase productivity and growth and helps to
protect the safety and security of the food supply through scientific excellence.
The GMA board of directors is comprised of chief executive officers from the
Association's member companies. The $2.1 trillion food, beverage and consumer
packaged goods industry employs 14 million workers, and contributes over $1 trillion
in added value to the nation's economy. For more information, visit the GMA Web site
at www.gmaonline.org



Web Site: http://www.gma.org

Contact Details: Scott Openshaw
Director, Communications,
202-295-3957
sopenshaw@gmaonline.org