Press Release from British Water Cooler Association

To: All Members

From: Michael Barnett - Chair

Date: 18.9.2008

Re: Sun Newspaper’s Article – 18.9.08 - Bisphenol A in Polycarbonate Bottles

Further to this morning’s article in the Sun “Death By Water Cooler….” we have some comforting information.

The European Commission for risk assessment concludes in its report published on June 11, 2008 that the BPA-based material Polycarbonate (PC) pose no risk and that consumer products made from materials based on BPA are safe for consumers and for the environment when used as intended.

This conclusion reconfirms the findings of the previous BPA Risk Assessment published in 2003. The new assessment takes into account the latest scientific information available relating to BPA and follows a comprehensive assessment process undertaken on BPA over the last 10 years.

The result of the EUs new risk assessment is consistent with scientific assessments of other international regulatory bodies including the US FDA, the Japanese authorities and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Please see also the attached letter issued by the Ministry of Health in Canada, which was written as recently as 25.7.08 to the Canadian Bottled Water Association advising them that in the Ministry’s opinion “Bisphenol A does not pose any risk to the general population. Consumers can continue to use polycarbonate bottles (inc. large 18.9 litre water bottles).”

We are working with Pilot PR to issue a Position Statement for the media which will be made available for you to utilise. As always please refer any media enquiries to Phillipa Clow at the Secretariat on 01923 825 355.

We shall be keeping you abreast of developments and BWCA’s actions and intentions.