BPA and the Dreaded Number 7: What You Need to Know

So is anyone else watching Nightly News on NBC right now? Here I am cooking dinner and they start talking about BPA and the new report that the FDA was not fully advised of the dangers of BPA and that experts are now recommending that you not microwave any plastics with the number 7 on them.

So what do I do next? I look at my micro cooker that I am currently cooking dinner in and it has a number 7... I had to look for it as it is not on the bottom as is most plastics but it is on the under side of one of the handles.

Now what?

I would email PC test kitchens and ask them the question. I would let them know where you saw the report. That is my thought

Good thinking, Jennie.

Yeah I emailed them, we will see what they say. Any canadian consultants have any opinion here? The Canadian government has banned BPA, do you guys have the micro cookers?

we still have the micro cookers in Canada. The CDN gov't hasn't fully banned it yet, but are looking at a full ban, pending further investigation.

hmm something to watch and wait

I just looked on my micro cooker and it has a 6, so I looked at another that I have on hand and it says a 5.... what's the story with 5 and 6?

This is on CC and has been for awhile.

Here's what PC says:

Polycarbonate Plastic Product Inquiries

Recent media reports question the safety of products made with polycarbonate plastic and specifically, Bisphenol A (BPA), which is used in the manufacture of polycarbonate products. Rest assured, all Pampered Chef products designed to come into contact with food meet or exceed all current and applicable regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are food-contact safe. The FDA has studied and approved the use of polycarbonate plastic and BPA for many years. We will continue to monitor any and all FDA developments with respect to BPA to ensure the continued safety of our products.

Some of our products are made from polycarbonate and contain BPA. These products are listed below. No other Pampered Chef products contain BPA.

* 1105 Microplane Adjustable Grater (cover and food holder plunger)
* 1188 Gravy Separator (main bowl)
* 1665 Baster and Cleaning Brush (basting tube)
* 1684 Pastry Cutter
* 1785 Salad/Berry Spinner (lid only)
* 2157 Wine Bottle Opener
* 2158 Dripless Pourer/Stopper
* 2175 Easy Read Measuring Cups
* 2177 Easy Read Mini Measuring Cup
* 2190 Salt and Pepper Mill
* 2225 Measure-All Cup (outer sleeve)
* 2228 Easy Adjustable Measuring Cup
* 2229 Easy Adjustable Measuring Spoon
* 2236 Mini Measure-All Cup
* 2241 Pocket Thermometer
* 2305 Juicer (bowl)
* 2590 Easy Opener
* 2779 Rice Cooker Plus (outer locks)
* 2781 Chillzanne Rectangle Server (lid only)
* 2826 Outdoor Tumblers
* 2827 Outdoor Utensil Set
* 2829 Outdoor Serving Set

To assist you with answering any questions that you receive from your Hosts and Guests about this issue, please click here for the Q & A. Again, we are committed to providing you and our customers with products that meet the highest standards of quality and safety.


Polycarbonate Plastic Products and Bisphenol A (BPA)
Questions & Answers
Q.
Does The Pampered Chef use Polycarbonate in any of its Products?
A. Yes. Polycarbonate is used in a small percentage of our products. Only 19 of the products we offer are made of polycarbonate. It creates high-quality and durable products.
Q.
What is Bisphenol A (BPA)?
A. Bisphenol A (BPA) is used to make polycarbonate plastic, which is found in plastic household goods and other products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has studied and approved the use of polycarbonate plastic, and specifically BPA, for many years.
Q.
Are Pampered Chef’s polycarbonate products safe?
A. While a few Pampered Chef products are made of polycarbonate plastic, we want to assure you that all Pampered Chef products designed to come into contact with food meet or exceed all current and applicable regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are food-contact safe. Rest assured that The Pampered Chef will continue to monitor any and all FDA rulings or findings to ensure the continued safety of our products.
Q. Are Pampered Chef plastic products safe for microwaving food?
A. Yes. Every Pampered Chef product that is designed to come into contact with food meets or exceeds FDA standards for food safety.
Q. Some retailers are beginning to pull certain polycarbonate products specifically designed for infants and children from their shelves – why is The Pampered Chef still selling products made of polycarbonate plastic?
A. These products continue to be 100% approved by the FDA, and the FDA has studied and approved polycarbonate plastic products for many years. Additionally, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recently concluded that small amounts of the chemical cause no harm to infants or adults.
All Pampered Chef products designed to come into contact with food meet or exceed all current and applicable regulations of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are food-contact safe. Rest assured that The Pampered Chef will continue to monitor any and all FDA rulings or findings to ensure the continued safety of our products.
Q. Are any of Pampered Chef’s products specifically designed for children made from polycarbonates?
A. We do not sell any polycarbonate plastic products specifically designed for children.
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© The Pampered Chef, Ltd., 2008
Polycarbonate Plastic Products and Bisphenol A (BPA)
Questions & Answers
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© The Pampered Chef, Ltd., 2008
Q. Where can my customer find reliable information on BPA?
A. If customers want to learn more about BPA, we suggest they visit the following web sites:
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American Plastic Council - http://www.americanchemistry.com/plastics/
•
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) study -www.efsa.europa.eu/en/press_room/press_release/pr_bpa.html
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American Chemistry Council - http://www.bisphenol-a.org
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Environmental Protection Agency - http://www.epa.gov/endocrine/about.html
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American Council on Science and Health - ACSH > Search Result
Q.
What if my customer wants to return a product made of polycarbonate?
A. Customers can contact 1-888-OUR-CHEF regarding a return for a credit or refund.
Q.
If my customer has any other questions, who should they contact at the Company?
A.
We’re happy to answer any other questions customers may have about polycarbonate or BPA. Please ask customers to contact [email protected].

thanks Kristi, I was geting ready to go look for that.

As you can see from Kristi's post from CC the micro cookers are not listed.

I saw that on CC a while ago, I knew it was there. I was wondering about the whole number 7 issue... I got a call from HO today and she said that the number 7 is an "other" category and that it is simply for recycling purposes. Not all things labeled with the 7 have BPA and that the micro cookers do not have BPA (which I knew). I just didnt understand why the "expert" was saying not to use any plastic labeled with the 7. Their point that they failed to make was that the "other" category means you may not know what is in the plastic. If our customers ask this is the answer we can give them...That's all I was trying to get, sorry for the confusion, I was not suggesting that the micro cooker has BPA I just wanted an answer to the number 7 issue.Thanks for all your help ladies