"Political Landmark For BPA Ban"

"When a [California] bill to ban a common plastic additive in feeding products for young children passed the Assembly on July 1, it marked a milestone in state legislative efforts to regulate bisphenol A.

The ban's supporters point to studies linking the chemical, found in hard plastic containers such as baby bottles and in the lining of food and beverage cans, with numerous adverse health effects, especially in infants and young children.

The bill, SB 797, was defeated last year in the Assembly. In 2008, a similar bill written by another state senator also failed.

But Sen. Fran Pavley, D-Agoura Hills, the bill's author, asked for another vote this year, and this time it passed 43-31. Mostly Republicans opposed it, along with a few Democrats, including Alberto Torrico, D-Fremont.

'I'm thrilled. This was a real David and Goliath fight,' said Pavley, referring to what she called a battle over the bill with industry lobbyists.

It calls for a ban on the chemical by January 2012 in feeding products designed for children aged 3 and under, such as sippy cups, bottles and baby food jars. It also bans BPA in all infant formula starting July 2012."

Suzanne Bohan reports for the Contra Costa Times July 11, 2010.