20 January 2014
Hon. Enrique T. Ona
Secretary
Department of Health
Sta. Cruz, Manila
Dear
Secretary Ona,
Secretary Ona,
Subject: Citizens’ Petition to Ban Bisphenol A in Baby
Feeding Bottles, Sippy Cups and Food and Beverage Packaging for Kids
Feeding Bottles, Sippy Cups and Food and Beverage Packaging for Kids
We, representatives of public
interest groups working to protect the public health and the environment,
request your office to please fast track the issuance of a Department of Health
Administrative Order that will ban the use of Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine
disrupting chemical, in baby feeding bottles, sippy cups and other food and
beverage containers for kids under the age of three.
interest groups working to protect the public health and the environment,
request your office to please fast track the issuance of a Department of Health
Administrative Order that will ban the use of Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine
disrupting chemical, in baby feeding bottles, sippy cups and other food and
beverage containers for kids under the age of three.
BPA, a synthetic compound
used in polycarbonate baby bottles and in epoxy resins for canned foods and
beverages, has been linked to a long list of health problems, including
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, asthma, erectile dysfunction,
infertility, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart ailments and breast and prostate
cancers, often at low levels of exposure.
used in polycarbonate baby bottles and in epoxy resins for canned foods and
beverages, has been linked to a long list of health problems, including
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, asthma, erectile dysfunction,
infertility, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart ailments and breast and prostate
cancers, often at low levels of exposure.
This New Year, we came
across two studies published on January 7 and 10 suggesting that early exposure
to low doses of BPA alters cells and can result to serious diseases in the
future.
across two studies published on January 7 and 10 suggesting that early exposure
to low doses of BPA alters cells and can result to serious diseases in the
future.
1) A study led by Prof.
Gail Prins of the University of Illinois, USA and published in the journal Endocrinology
showed that “exposure to low levels of Bisphenol A during development may make
men more susceptible to prostate cancer later in life.”
Gail Prins of the University of Illinois, USA and published in the journal Endocrinology
showed that “exposure to low levels of Bisphenol A during development may make
men more susceptible to prostate cancer later in life.”
(http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=bpa-exposure-linked-to-prostate-cancer)
2. A study by Prof. Raphael
Stoll, Prof Dr. Jürgen Scherkenbeck and researchers
at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum and the University of Wuppertal,Germany,
published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry,indicated that BPA “impairs the
function of proteins that are vital for growth processes in cells.”
Stoll, Prof Dr. Jürgen Scherkenbeck and researchers
at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum and the University of Wuppertal,Germany,
published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry,indicated that BPA “impairs the
function of proteins that are vital for growth processes in cells.”
(http://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-01-evidence-effect-bisphenol-a-based-plastics.html)
To prevent fetal and
childhood exposure to BPA via BPA-containing baby bottles, sippy cups and other
food and beverage containers for infants and toddlers, we urge the DOH to apply
the precautionary principle and bar theuse of such endocrine disrupting agent
in such products.
childhood exposure to BPA via BPA-containing baby bottles, sippy cups and other
food and beverage containers for infants and toddlers, we urge the DOH to apply
the precautionary principle and bar theuse of such endocrine disrupting agent
in such products.
By doing so, the
Philippines will become the newest country to enforce a policy banning BPA,
particularly in baby bottles, which is now banned in over 30 countries,
including China, Malaysia, South Africa, USA and the 27 member states of the
European Union.
Philippines will become the newest country to enforce a policy banning BPA,
particularly in baby bottles, which is now banned in over 30 countries,
including China, Malaysia, South Africa, USA and the 27 member states of the
European Union.
Any further delay by the
DOH may result to surplus BPA-containing feeding bottles and sippy cups from
these countries (most notably China, our major trade partner) flooding
Divisoria and getting into the hands and mouths of our children.
DOH may result to surplus BPA-containing feeding bottles and sippy cups from
these countries (most notably China, our major trade partner) flooding
Divisoria and getting into the hands and mouths of our children.
We know that you will
agree with us that Filipino children should not be made to suffer from any form
of preventable contamination that can severely affect their health later in
life.
agree with us that Filipino children should not be made to suffer from any form
of preventable contamination that can severely affect their health later in
life.
While we recognize that
the immediate priority should be to ensure that only BPA-free products are made
available to children, we believe that the ban on BPA should also cover all
food packaging materials on the premise that if babies during pregnancy are to
be protected against BPA exposure,women of child-bearing age should not consume
BPA-contaminated food and beverage.
the immediate priority should be to ensure that only BPA-free products are made
available to children, we believe that the ban on BPA should also cover all
food packaging materials on the premise that if babies during pregnancy are to
be protected against BPA exposure,women of child-bearing age should not consume
BPA-contaminated food and beverage.
As we seek the elimination
of BPA baby feeding bottles, sippy cups and food and beverage packaging, we reiterate
our commitment to “defend the right of every baby to mother’s milk, the first
complete and Zero Waste food, from the direct assault of deceptive advertising
and promotion of artificial breastfeeding and chemical pollution.”
of BPA baby feeding bottles, sippy cups and food and beverage packaging, we reiterate
our commitment to “defend the right of every baby to mother’s milk, the first
complete and Zero Waste food, from the direct assault of deceptive advertising
and promotion of artificial breastfeeding and chemical pollution.”
We thank you and the women
and men of the Department of Health for doing your best to achieve
“Kalusugang Pangkalahatan,” including crafting and enforcing robust regulatory
measures that will protect our children against hormone-mimicking pollutants
like BPA, lead and other health-harming chemicals and wastes.
and men of the Department of Health for doing your best to achieve
“Kalusugang Pangkalahatan,” including crafting and enforcing robust regulatory
measures that will protect our children against hormone-mimicking pollutants
like BPA, lead and other health-harming chemicals and wastes.
Sincerely yours,
Aileen Lucero
EcoWaste Coalition
Ines Fernandez
Ines Fernandez
Arugaan/Save the Babies Coalition
Dr. Melinda Atienza
Philippine Pediatric Society
Dr. MaricarLimpin
Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance –
Philippines
Philippines
Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan
Health Futures Foundation
Rep. Leah PrimitivaSamaco-Paquiz
Ang NARS Partylist
Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr.
The Pimentel Center for Local Governance
Dean Antonio La
Viña
Ateneo School of Government
Fr. Max Abalos
Action for Nurturing Children and Environment
Sixto Carlos
Lot Escandor
Lot Escandor
Angelita Flores
PiaPascual
Advocates for Environmental and Social
Justice, Pandacan, Manila
Advocates for Environmental and Social
Justice, Pandacan, Manila
Roy Alvarez
AlagaLahat
AnaleeRubios
Amavel Foundation, Davao City
Gina Mejia
AngkanngMandirigma
AlagaLahat
AnaleeRubios
Amavel Foundation, Davao City
Gina Mejia
AngkanngMandirigma
Marie Marciano
Ban Toxics
Romeo Saclolo
BatangasDos Fishermen’s Association, Mariveles, Bataan
Teresita Belen
Shrya de Guzman
Shrya de Guzman
Darlene Urbino
BuklodKabataan, San Mateo, Rizal
BuklodKabataan, San Mateo, Rizal
NoliAbinales
John Eric Belen
John Eric Belen
Rosa Clavel
Ferdinand Cruz
Nancy Flores
Ferdinand Cruz
Nancy Flores
Belen de Guzman
Rolando Lagare
Rosalyn Ramos
Rolando Lagare
Rosalyn Ramos
Shaina Ramos
Lorna Sogodogo
Evelyn Taan
Buklod Tao, San Mateo, Rizal
Gie Relova
BukluranngManggagawang Pilipino –
National Capital Region
Ochie Tolentino
Evelyn Taan
Buklod Tao, San Mateo, Rizal
Gie Relova
BukluranngManggagawang Pilipino –
National Capital Region
Ochie Tolentino
Cavite Green Coalition
Elsie Brandes de Veyra
Citizens’ Organization Concerned with
Advocating for Philippine Environmental Sustainability
Conrado Esemple
Columban Missionaries
Noemi Tirona
Columban Missionaries
Noemi Tirona
Consumer Right to Safe Food
Fred Bale
CRIV
CRIV
Jimmy Lopez
DACS
Joseph Kwe
Ecology Ministry, Diocese of Kalookan
Ejoy Garcia
Ecology Ministry of Candelaria Parish
Aaron Pedrosa
Joseph Kwe
Ecology Ministry, Diocese of Kalookan
Ejoy Garcia
Ecology Ministry of Candelaria Parish
Aaron Pedrosa
Freedom from Debt Coalition, Cebu
Dr. Angelina Galang
Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Environment
and Sustainable Economy
Clotilde Rose
Green Earth
and Sustainable Economy
Clotilde Rose
Green Earth
Beau Baconguis
Greenpeace Southeast Asia
Marvin Tampus
AbetGavino
Green Stage Filipinas –Maskara, Cavite
Merci Ferrer
Health Care Without Harm
Ann Fuertes
Ann Fuertes
ChinkiePelinko
Interface Development Interventions, Davao City
Manny C. Calonzo
IPEN
Atty. Olina Velasco-Jacoba
KKK Cebu
Betty Cabazares
Kinaiyahan Foundation
Heidi Amigable
KongresongPagkakaisangMaralitangLunsod,
Cebu
NenengJocson
Heidi Amigable
KongresongPagkakaisangMaralitangLunsod,
Cebu
NenengJocson
Corazon Javate
KrusadasaKalikasan, Nueva Ecija
George Dadivas
Kupkop Kita Kabayan Foundation
George Dadivas
Kupkop Kita Kabayan Foundation
SigundinaAnilad
LikhangKalikasan
Sr. Ma. Aida Velasquez,
OSB
OSB
Lingkod Tao Kalikasan
Victor Sumampong
LISU Cebu
Allan Tura
Makabata para sa Bayan
Melvin Saladino
Victor Sumampong
LISU Cebu
Allan Tura
Makabata para sa Bayan
Melvin Saladino
MalikhaingLandasnamagpapayabongsaSining at Kultura,
Cavite
Cavite
DagsMagaway
MamamayanAyawsa Aerial Spraying,
Mindanao
Tessa Oliva
Eric Buado
Miriam P.E.A.C.E.
Sonia Mendoza
Mother Earth Foundation
Chandra Balaong
NEWLAC, Cabanatuan City
Romy Hidalgo
November 17 Movement
Nona Andaya Castillo
Chandra Balaong
NEWLAC, Cabanatuan City
Romy Hidalgo
November 17 Movement
Nona Andaya Castillo
Nurturers of the Earth
Art Bollas
Obando Kami ay Para sa Iyo (OKAPI)
Mercedes Castillo
Occupational Health Nurses Association
of the Philippines (OHNAP), Inc.
LitoVasquez
Office of Coun.Nida Cabrera, Cebu City
Noel Tambalan
Our Lady of Joy Learning Center, Cebu
Mercedes Castillo
Occupational Health Nurses Association
of the Philippines (OHNAP), Inc.
LitoVasquez
Office of Coun.Nida Cabrera, Cebu City
Noel Tambalan
Our Lady of Joy Learning Center, Cebu
Rene Pineda
Victoria Segovia
Victoria Segovia
Partnership for Clean Air
Atty. Gloria Estenzo-Ramos
Philippine Earth Justice Center
Isagani Serrano
Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement
Aijhen Lopez
Aijhen Lopez
SK Federation Malabon City
Ben Galindo
Ben Galindo
Belen de Guzman
Sagip Pasig Movement
Sagip Pasig Movement
Bro. Martin Francisco,
BSMP
BSMP
Sagip Sierra Madre Environmental Society, Inc.
(SSMESI)
(SSMESI)
Joyet Castor
SamahangMulingPagkabuhayMulti Purpose
Cooperative, Smokey Mountain, Tondo, Manila
KokoyGan
SamahanPagkakaisangmgaTinderasaTalipapa,
Caloocan City
SamahangMulingPagkabuhayMulti Purpose
Cooperative, Smokey Mountain, Tondo, Manila
KokoyGan
SamahanPagkakaisangmgaTinderasaTalipapa,
Caloocan City
TeodericoNavea
Jonathan Cruz
SanlakasSugbo, Cebu
AlipMintu
Shoreline KabalikatsaKinabukasan, Inc.,
Naic, Cavite
AlipMintu
Shoreline KabalikatsaKinabukasan, Inc.,
Naic, Cavite
Rey Palacio
SiningYapak
AnabelleSantillan
Teachers Dignity Coalition, Cebu
Teachers Dignity Coalition, Cebu
Allan Tanjusay
Trade Union Congress of the Philippines
Johanna Bagacay
University of San Carlos, Banilad, Cebu
-end-
cc:
Food and Drugs Administration