Connecticut and Chicago City Council have both passed bills pertaining to the restriction of use of bisphenol-A (BPA) in certain products.

Connecticut: Public Act No. 09-103

Effective October 1, 2011, no person may sell, manufacture or distribute in the State of Connecticut:

1. Any reusable food or beverage container containing BPA; or

2. Infant formula or baby food that is stored in a plastic container, jar or can that contains BPA. However, a person may sell or distribute the existing inventory of infant formula or baby food containers, jars or cans containing BPA until October 1, 2012, provided the person can demonstrate that such containers, jars or cans were purchased or acquired prior to October 1, 2011, in a quantity comparable to the containers, jars or cans purchased or acquired during the same period of the prior year.

"Reusable food or beverage container" means a receptacle for storing food or beverages, including, but not limited to, baby bottles, spill-proof cups, sports bottles and thermoses, excluding food or beverage containers intended for disposal after initial use.

"Infant formula" means a milk-based or soy-based powder, concentrated liquid or ready -to-feed substitute for human breast milk that is intended for infant consumption and is commercially available.

"Baby food" means a prepared solid food consisting of a soft paste or an easily chewed food that is intended for consumption by children two years of age or younger and is commercially available.

Chicago: BPA-Free Kids Ordinance

According to the ordinance, on and after January 31st, 2010, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to sell, offer or expose for sale, give or furnish any empty liquid, food or beverage container which is used primarily for children under the age of three containing BPA in the city of Chicago.

Further, retailers shall post a sign in the store that clearly and conspicuously notifies customers that containers offered for sale in the store are not composed of BPA. The department of business affairs and consumer protection shall promulgate rules and regulations in order to enforce this subsection.

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