The Canadian government announced on 17 October that it will prohibit the importation or sale of bisphenol A in bottles and food packaging for infants and newborns. The chemical is commonly used in polycarbonate plastic drinking bottles.

Animal studies have shown that bisphenol A can disrupt hormone signalling, and last month a study linked the chemical to cardiovascular disease and diabetes in humans (I. A. Lang et al. J. Am. Med. Assoc. 300, 1303–1310; 2008).

Canada is the first country to take regulatory action, according to its health minister Tony Clement.

Adults "need not be concerned" about the chemical, according to a government press release. Nevertheless, the country plans to spend Can$1.7 million (US$1.4 million) over the next three years for further studies of adverse health effects. The ban should come into effect in 2009.