In article
,
Frank wrote:

The general public might like to know that in order to get food
contact approval for a plastic from the FDA, a petitioning process is
undergone where the manufacturer presents all his process data,
toxicity studies on the plastic and toxicity on extracts of his
material under simulated food contact....

Fox guarding the hen house. That is a major problem with the current
FDA. In case after case, it has been shown repeatedly that companies
have hidden data showing defects and health/life-threatening
characteristics of their own products. At the same time, they have
exaggerated health claims. Vioxx, Vytorin, Avandia.... to name a few.

...It is possible to miss some
subtle effect but important things like effect on animal birth is
studied. Since peoples lives do not depend on the product like with
medicinals it can take many years to get approval. One I was
observing for a simple polyester must have taken 10 years.

The public should also appreciate that major toxicity problems with
foods reside in the food itself and not the packaging.

Tell that to all the microwave popcorn workers who died or whose lungs
have been damaged because of the popcorn packaging.

Additives to the food itself are also more of a concern. Then there
is such as some ot the criminal activity out of China with pet food
and baby formula where food was adulterated with cheap materials.

Here's a link to the code of federal regulations for food contact and
additives:

http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/w...1cfrv3_99.html

A significant number of the CFRs having to do with public health and
safety--- things that cost companies money--- have been rewritten and
weakened in especially the last eight years. Public involvement in the
regulatory process has been thwarted by the Bush administration in
particular which has curtailed public notice, hearings, and comment
periods. And then there are the secret White House meetings with
industry heads that have set the momentum for such actions. The Freedom
of Information Act (FOIA) and many State-enacted Sunshine Laws are often
ignored. That so much information is hidden speaks volumes about the
contempt for the citizenry.

Isabella
--
"I will show you fear in a handful of dust"
-T.S. Eliot