Investigation finds that plastic bottles may pose serious risk to infants

Food safety experts in New Zealand are investigating Canadian claims that a chemical widely used in plastic products poses a serious risk to babies.

That chemical, BPA, is likely to be banned from children's products and food containers in Canada, as other countries, including ours watch closely.

The choices facing new parents can be overwhelming. Now they've just become even harder.

A chemical compound in baby bottles has alarmed Canadian politicians so much they want it banned, saying it's a serious health risk for infants.

The plastics industry says bisphenol A or BPA is harmless.

But a US report this week found a link with cancer in animals and said more studies are needed.

It has prompted an American senator to introduce legislation tomorrow to ban BPA from children's products and food containers.

If Canada and America go ahead with bans, they'll be the first in the world to do so.

Here, the Food Safety Authority has been monitoring the latest developments and told 3 News it will be contacting the Canadian authorities early this week, before it decides on any action.

But there is conflicting advice about the use of products containing BPAs.

A US scientist told reporters that: “The level of BPA that we are exposed to as consumers are far far below any level that could possibly be harmful.”

And Food Standards Australia New Zealand has just issued a fact sheet that categorically states "bisphenol A does not cause cancer."

If you want to know whether the plastics you use contain BPA look for the letters PC or a triangle with a number 7. It's not hard to find, whether it's on your water cooler at work or in your cupboards at home. To limit the chance of BPA leaching, avoid heating the plastic or filling it with hot food or drink.