The European Commission announced a ban on the use of baby bottles containing the chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA) on November 25 due to health concerns, which may affect China's export of baby bottles to European countries.

The ban will make the manufacture of baby bottles with BPA outlawed from March 1, 2011, and from June 1, 2011, and prohibit any imports of these bottles into the EU.

The chemical Bisphenol-A, which makes plastic products transparent and durable, are popularly used in mineral water bottles, PC bottles, plastic tableware and baby bottles.

Results from research shows that the Bisphenol-A in tableware or bottles may mix with food and drinks, especially when heated. It could act as a female sex hormone and disturb body chemistry.

Some US states also ban the use of Bisphenol-A in children's food containers. However, such a ban was not approved in California because lobbyists within the industry said that it would lead to the bankruptcy of many factories.

With stricter import bans in European countries and the US, China faces a more severe situation in its large-scale export of packaging products. From the end of last year, China started to inspect the Bisphenol-A in food-contact products in a bid to cope with the possible trade barriers.

China's business press carried the story above on Monday. China.org.cn has not checked the stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

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