PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway reported this month it would stop selling baby bottles that contain the plastic ingredient bisphenol-A in all stores.
Studies have shown that BPA, which is also found in other containers, including water bottles and baby formula cans, can cause health problems. Safeway follows Wal-Mart Stores, Bentonville, Ark., Babies “R” Us, Wayne, N.J., and Whole Foods Market, Austin, Texas, in taking this action. Canada banned the plastic baby bottles earlier this year.
The Safeway announcement came as legislation was introduced in San Francisco to ban the bottles.
“Safeway will no longer sell baby bottles made with BPA,” said Brian Dowling, vice president, public affairs at Safeway, in a statement. “We want to be mindful of our customers' concerns and reassure them that Safeway values our children's health and well-being. The availability of alternatives allows us to withdraw the [BPA] baby bottles.”
“It's great to see major retailers out in front of the federal government taking action to remove such concerning products,” Sonya Lunder, senior analyst, Environmental Working Group, Washington, told SN.
“In the last year, we have seen manufacturers and retailers shift to only selling those bottles that are BPA-free. As those products become more available, it becomes easier for those options to make their way to parents,” she said.