There have been many media reports regarding the chemical Bisphenol A (BPA) and Polycarbonate baby bottles.

Pigeon Corporation, a company listed on the main board of the Tokyo Stock Market, has been manufacturing mother and baby products for over 50 years, selling in around 60 countries. Pigeon provide only the safest products, made to the highest specifications.

The scientific community is divided on BPA and there is no clear evidence to demonstrate that BPA in Polycarbonate baby bottles is dangerous. According to the plastics industry, the potential human exposure to BPA is more than 400 times lower than the U.S EPA reference dose. The minimal level of exposure to BPA poses no known risk to human health.

The use of Polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins for food contact applications has been and continues to be recognised as safe by the U.S Food and Drug Administration, the European Commission Scientific Committee on Food, the United Kingdom Food Standards Agency, the Japanese Ministry for Health, Labor and Welfare, and other regulatory authorities worldwide (sourced from www.bisphenol-a.org).

Pigeon bottles contain a minimal amount of BPA; less than 0.01ug/ml (the European standard allows BPA content of 0.04ug/ml). This is due to the fact that Pigeon bottles are manufactured using an extremely high grade of Polycarbonate. Clearly, Pigeon is a safe option.

There are thousands of products in which Polycarbonates are used; food containers (the inner lining of formula containers and most caned food), medical devices and sport safety equipment. Polycarbonates prevent cracking or shattering, and so are relied upon to prevent dangers that can lead to injury.

In response to consumer and global demand, we will be expanding our range of plastic and glass bottles which are BPA free, but will be more costly.

- Pigeon recommends that breast milk is the best food for optimal growth for newborns and infants. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life for healthy term infants, with continued breastfeeding for up to 2 years and beyond.
- If breastfeeding is not chosen, infant formula is still the best choice, as the nutritional benefits far outweigh the possible risk.
- If you continue to use Polycarbonate baby bottles, for reasons of safety, it is recommended that parents and caregivers do not put boiling water in them. Water should be boiled and allowed to cool to lukewarm in a non-polycarbonate container before transferring to baby bottles.
- Bottles can be sterilised according to instructions on infant formula labels and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. They should be left to cool to room temperature before adding the infant formula.
- Baby bottles should not be heated in the microwave as the liquid may heat unevenly, and may cause burns to the infant*.

If parents and caregivers are still concerned about using Polycarbonate baby bottles, there are indeed a number of alternative options.
Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact us.

* Sourced: Canadian Healthcare

For more information visit http://www.foodstandards.gov.au or http://www.Bisphenol-a.org/