On June 7, 2013, the non-profit organization International Baby Food Action Network (IBFAN) published a statement (pdf) on young child feeding and chemical residues. The statement advises mothers to breastfeed irrespective of chemical contaminants present in breast milk. IBFAN argues that the same chemicals that may be present in breast milk are also present in industrial foods fed to infants and toddlers. IBFAN indicates that exposure may arise from polycarbonate plastic bottles and cups, the lining of tin cans and packages, and other plastic products pointing in particular to bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates and melamine. In its statement, the non-profit organization concludes that the health, economic and ecological advantages of breastfeeding outweigh the risks arising from the presence of these chemicals. According to IBFAN, the debate surrounding the presence of chemicals in breast milk should not influence mother’s decision to breast feed. Nevertheless, IBFAN stresses the importance of reducing exposures to chemicals.
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IBFAN Statement on Infant and Young Child Feeding and Chemical Residues (pdf)
