Bisphenol-A (BPA) levels in plastic baby bottles are considered to be safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Food Safety Authority and NSF International as of 2009. Avent and other baby-bottle manufacturers used the chemical BPA until April 2008, when the National Toxicology Program (NTP) caused universal concern over possible developmental, neurological and reproductive issues linked to BPA exposure.

On the Other: NTP Says More Research Needed

Based on an analysis of more than 200 studies, the federal National Toxicology Program concluded it "has some concern for effects on the brain, behavior and prostate gland in fetuses, infants and children at current human exposures to bisphenol A." However, an advisory committee questioned the FDA's methodology and sources, and the FDA agreed to consider new research and reevaluate its position.

Bottom Line

No scientific consensus yet exists regarding "safe levels" of BPA in baby bottles, but consumer demand prompted Avent to switch to all BPA-free bottles in the United States. Older bottles marked with a "7" or "PC" contain BPA, so concerned consumers should choose BPA-free or glass bottles.

Source:

National Toxicology Program: Potential Human Reproductive and Developmental Effects of BPA

U.S. Food and Drug Administration: About BPA

STATS Press Release: Science Suppressed

Resource:

Philips: Avent Product Page

The Washington Post: No BPA for Baby Bottles in the U.S.