WASHINGTON - Makers of the controversial chemical bisphenol-A have asked federal regulators to phase out rules that allow its use in baby bottles and sippy cups because it says those products have not contained the plastic-hardening ingredient for two years.
The American Chemistry Council has asked the Food and Drug Administration to phase out rules that allow BPA in baby bottles and training cups. The group says baby bottle manufacturers stopped using the chemical in 2009, and no major chemical company sells BPA to any U.S. producers of baby drink containers.
The industry's unusual request may help stem years of negative publicity from parents, consumer groups and lawmakers worried about the chemical's safety for babies.
BPA is used to strengthen plastic found in hundreds of items, including water bottles, glasses and dental implants.
