Blumenthal
HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) - Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal says there may have been bullying in an effort to fight regulation of bisphenol A, a chemical used in containers like infant formula containers.
Blumenthal is asking several packaging, beverage and food manufacturers for information about a reported industry meeting during which they planned a campaign to mislead the public about the health dangers of BPA.
"I am calling on these companies to disavow this unconscionable campaign to deliberately deceive the public and instead commit to educating and protecting our citizens," Blumenthal said.
In a report by The Associated Press, a spokesman for Crown Packaging said he has no idea what Blumenthal is talking about.
"I was particularly disturbed by reports of the meeting indicating that you have targeted Connecticut, along with California, after our state adopted landmark legislation to protect public health by restricting BPA use," Blumenthal wrote in a letter to the companies.
"This effort seeking to 'manipulate the legislative process' and public opinion raises significant ethical and policy questions as well as legal issues."
Blumenthal says BPA is linked to breast and testicular cancer, diabetes, hyperactivity, obesity, low sperm count and miscarriage.
From Legal Newsline: Reach John O'Brien by e-mail at john@legalnewsline.com.