The BPA Backlash
Ben Somberg
June 2, 2009
The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported on Saturday, and the Washington Post on Sunday, about a meeting of industry groups in Washington last week to devise a plan to respond to criticisms of Bisphenol A (BPA).
From the Post:
Manufacturers of cans for beverages and foods and some of their biggest customers, including Coca-Cola, are trying to devise a public relations and lobbying strategy to block government bans of a controversial chemical used in the linings of metal cans and lids.
The Environmental Working Group has posted the full memo summarizing the meeting. The memo says that the commitee is focusing lobbying efforts on Connecticut and California, given pending legislation. And: "Their 'holy grail' spokesperson would be a 'pregnant young mother who would be willing to speak around the country about the benefits of BPA.' "
Serious health concerns ought to be treated as serious health concerns, not just a PR problem.
