Bottle
BottleIsrael news photo: Flash 90

The health ministry warns against using baby bottles that contain the compound Bisphenol A (BPA). While there is no prohibition on using BPA in Israel, bottles that contain the compound have been marked with the number 7 inside a triangle.

In Canada and the European Union, BPA has been banned for use in baby bottles. United States governmental bodies have expressed concern as well, and have said they will work to reduce BPA contact with food.

BPA is used to produce polycarbonate, a widely used plastic. Recent research has led to concerns that BPA use near food could lead to ingestion of the compound, which could in turn cause a variety of health problems.

Health Ministry experts have yet to release definitive conclusions regarding the safety of BPA, but suggest that parents take cautionary measures.

The best cautionary measure is to use bottles that do not contain BPA, officials say. If a bottle that may contain BPA is in use, officials recommend avoiding heating the contents of the bottle, as heat is believed to cause BPA to enter food.

Instead, formula or other baby food should be heated in a utensil that does not contain BPA, and poured into the bottle only after it has cooled.

Other recommendations include not heating baby bottles in the microwave, and avoiding use of baby bottles that are scratched or otherwise in poor condition.

The Health Ministry has announced that bottles containing BPA will no longer be used in hospitals beginning in July. The delay is meant to give hospitals time to prepare for the new guidelines.