Health Canada media@list.hc-sc.gc.ca

January 15, 2008 about the safety of bisphenol-A in polycarbonate bottles.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/notices-avis/index_e.html
NOTE TO EDITORS Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Health Canada would like to clarify recent information that was sent to some retailers on January 15, 2008 about the safety of bisphenol-A in polycarbonate bottles. This letter, which was sent in error, did not include the most recent scientific information.

Health Canada is aware of the concerns about bisphenol-A, and that is why it was one of the first chemicals identified as part of the government's Challenge to industry and stakeholders under the Chemicals Management Plan (further information on the Challenge can be found at the Chemical Substances website. Health Canada is currently conducting an assessment of bisphenol-A, including its use in consumer products. The government will incorporate all the latest science in its assessment and will use this information to take action, if necessary, to further protect the health of Canadians.

The assessment will be completed no later than May 2008 and posted to the chemicals substances web site (see URL above). Until then Health Canada is not advising retailers or the public to stop selling and/or using polycarbonate bottles. However, Health Canada does recognize that some retailers have decided to stop selling polycarbonate bottles and some consumers have stopped using these products until the results of Health Canada's review are completed.

Media Inquiries:
Health Canada Media Relations
(613) 957-2983

Stéphane Shank
Media Relations / Relations avec les médias
Public Affairs, Consultation and Regions Branch / Direction générale des
affaires publiques, de la consultation et des régions
Health Canada / Santé Canada
Tel. / Tél.: 613.957.1588
Fax / Téléc.: 613.952.7747