Connecticut Attorney General's Office
Press Release
Attorney General Seeks Details About Campaign Of 'Political Manipulation,' 'Fear Tactics' To Fight BPA Regulation
June 15, 2009
In a letter to the companies and their trade associations, Blumenthal said he was disturbed by recently reported accounts of an industry meeting that revealed their plans to mislead the public about the dangers of BPA, a chemical used in certain food containers, including infant formula, posing significant health risks to children.
Blumenthal was the proponent and advocate of a new law in Connecticut that limits the use of BPA in infant bottles. Blumenthal was joined in releasing the letter by legislators and public health advocates who led the fight for Connecticut's new law.
Published reports indicate that, at a recent meeting, an industry representative described the "holy grail" spokesperson for BPA as a "pregnant young mother who would be willing to speak around the country about the benefits of BPA." Blumenthal said such tactics, if proven true, would be astonishing and appalling in light of mounting scientific evidence about the dangers of BPA, especially to children.
Blumenthal has requested details about the meeting and other facts from several companies apparently involved in the meeting, Alcoa of Pittsburgh, Pa.; Del Monte Foods, San Francisco, Calif.; American Chemistry Council, Arlington, Va.; Grocery Manufacturers Association, District of Columbia; The Coca-Cola Company, Atlanta, Ga.; and North American Metal Packaging Alliance, Inc., District of Columbia.
"Colluding in a campaign of confusion and concealment -- potentially endangering children and pregnant women -- is appalling and possibly illegal," Blumenthal said. "We are demanding details about industry giants plotting to use deceptive, and possibly illegal, tactics to blur the truth about BPA dangers. This misinformation campaign could menace public health by confusing consumers and convincing them to ignore mounting scientific evidence that BPA, even in minute doses, endangers children and pregnant women.
"I am calling on these companies to disavow this unconscionable campaign to deliberately deceive the public, and instead commit to educating and protecting our citizens."
In letters to these companies, Blumenthal wrote, "I was particularly disturbed by reports of the meeting indicating that you have targeted Connecticut, along with California, after our state adopted landmark legislation to protect public health by restricting BPA use. This effort seeking to 'manipulate the legislative process' and public opinion raises significant ethical and policy questions as well as legal issues.
"There is increasing credible science linking BPA to breast cancer, testicular cancer, diabetes, hyperactivity, obesity, low sperm count, miscarriage and other reproductive problems in laboratory animals, and heart disease and diabetes in humans. The National Toxicological Program found some concern that BPA may cause developmental problems in the brains and hormonal systems of children. Even the FDA's own scientific advisory board criticized the agency for relying on industry-funded studies to declare the chemical safe."
State Sen. Edward Meyer, D-Branford, said, "The Attorney General negotiated a very significant agreement with bottle manufacturers that they would discontinue the use of this toxic chemical in baby bottles. The General Assembly has now gone forward with major legislation that prohibits the use of Bisphenol-A in a variety of children's and other products, following the lead of other countries and states."
State Rep. Beth Bye, D-West Hartford, said, "I applaud the Attorney General for taking on these industries who are actively plotting to deceive the public about the health hazards of BPA, in order to maximize their own corporate profits."
State Rep. Lonnie Reed, D-Branford, said, "As a breast cancer survivor and someone who follows research closely, I know the medical evidence against BPA continues to mount. Responsible companies are already promoting BPA free products for children. If irresponsible companies are choosing public deception as a tactic, then that is a deeply disturbing development that must be stopped."
Sarah Uhl, Coordinator of the Coalition for a Safe & Healthy Connecticut, said, "If the canning industry spent less time trying to dupe pregnant women and more time switching to alternatives, we would have more safe products on store shelves right now."
Blumenthal requested information and documents from the companies -- also sought by the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce -- including:
- All documents and communications, including talking points, minutes, summaries, memoranda, media statements, emails, and drafts of any such documents, relating to meetings of the BPA Joint Trade Association in April and May 2009, including documents and communications created by the date of this request;
- A list of all attendees at these meetings, including their affiliations and contact information; and
- A list of all members of the BPA Joint Trade Association, including their contact information.