Showing a shift from its current position, the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") recently issued a statement expressing "some concern about the potential effects of BPA on the brain, behavior and prostate gland in fetuses, infants and young children."

BPA, or bisphenol-A, is a chemical found in many plastic and metal containers used to package food and beverages. Some studies have linked high BPA exposure to developmental and reproductive damage, particularly in young children.

Experts have criticized the limits recommended by the FDA as being too lax. Additionally, some researchers voiced skepticism regarding the science supporting current BPA standards.

Although environmental groups note the monumental nature of the FDA's statement, it still does not amount to a ban on BPA, which some states such as Connecticut enacted in the wake of growing consumer concern.

Given the pervasiveness of BPA in bottling and canning, many insiders argue the FDA must apply stricter standards when approving substances in the future. Otherwise, future changes would require complicated regulatory action, which currently thwarts attempts to ban BPA.

Nevertheless, many companies such as Eden Foods, noted for their line of 33 canned organic beans, responded to consumer sentiment by switching to BPA-free containers.

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