Five years after the market demanded baby bottle manufacturers replace their products with BPA-free bottles, there is a new chemical concern.
In 2008, information about the potential risks associated with BPA (bisphenol A) drove consumers to demand change.
While you can readily find packaging with the "BPA-free" label, you can not find a list of ingredients that companies used to replace BPA.
"Nobody really knows what the replacements are. There are large numbers of compounds that can be used to replace BPA," said University of Texas at San Antonio chemistry professor Dr. Carlos Garcia. "Some of them are really, really well known, and some of them nobody knows. The problem is some of these replacements may have equal or greater danger to the public."
In response to the question, is it possible some of the replacements are actually safer than BPA, Garcia said, "possible, not guaranteed."
He explains it is impossible to know without having the full list of ingredients.
After searching store shelves, we noticed the majority of materials used to produce the bottles were noticeably absent on the packaging.
"I would like to know exactly what we're giving our children," said mom, Jessica Allen.
The Defenders reached out to two of the largest baby bottle manufacturers to find out why they don't disclose all the ingredients on the packaging or on their website.
The Defenders also wanted to know what chemical was used to replace BPA in the making of plastic bottles.
Both companies declined to release replacement ingredient or the full list to KSAT, as they are trade secrets.
"At least we should be able to guarantee the consumer that nothing that is in the bottle is gonna leak, in this case milk, and potentially harm the baby," Garcia said.
"If they told you the ingredients at least you could research it yourself and make an informed decision," said, mom, Izzy Parsons.
With limited manufacturer disclosure, consumers are in no position to make educated choices when it comes to plastics, but they are a driving force in the market and a push for transparency could change that.
There are ways to reduce the risk associated with BPA and its replacements. For a list of the do's and don'ts, you can click on the Mayo Clinic website.
Response from Mark Polzin (Playtex spokesman)
"None of our products are made of plastics that consist of BPA. Our products vary widely in what materials they contain and materials used in our products include silicone, latex, polyethylene, polypropylene, and stainless steel.
All Playtex Infant Care products contain materials that are safe for food contact applications. We hold ourselves to a high standard when it comes to infant safety. Playtex conducts comprehensive tests of its products, and we only sell products that meet or exceed the most stringent domestic and international regulatory guidelines. All materials are tested to ensure functional safety and performance and are tested or certified to meet material safety standards. Material testing is performed by a third-party laboratory. We cannot disclose further information as the composition and design of our products are proprietary."
Response from Shannon Jenest, director of brand communications for Avent by Philips
"Below is the communication that we include on our packaging for consumers. As you will see, we use polypropylene materials for most bottles with the exception of an 11 ounce bottle that is made using polyethersulfone materials and our glass bottles. Unfortunately, I can't offer any more detail without compromising IP&S."
4oz Natural feeding bottle.
This BPA-free bottle is made of PP material (Polypropylene).
BPA free - wording on front of pack
Plus BPA free logo.
9oz Natural feeding bottle.
This BPA-free bottle is made of PP material
(Polypropylene).
BPA free - wording on front of pack.
11oz Natural feeding bottle
This BPA-free
bottle is made
of PP material
(Polypropylene).
Natural Pink and Blue bottles
This BPA-free bottle is made
of PP material (Polypropylene)
Plus BPA-free logo.
BPA free - wording on front of pack
4oz, 9oz, 11oz Classic PP bottles
This BPA-free
bottle is made
of PP material
(Polypropylene).
Plus BPA-free logo.
Classic 11oz PES
This BPA-Free bottle (0 percent Bisphenol A) is
made of scratch-resistant honey-colored
PES (Polyethersulfone) material.
Bottle - BPA-Free
0 percent and BPA Free green logos.
SAN
Glass bottles
Pure glass made in the USA - Logo
BPA Free
Pure and safe glass.
Premium quality borosilicate glass
Thermal shock resistant, heat resistant and suitable for sterilization.