US withdraws baby bottle chemical

The six manufacturers say they are reacting to consumer demand by removing Bisphenol A (BPA) from their bottles.

But they will continue selling bottles containing BPA in the UK, a decision which has angered campaigners.

The Food Standards Agency insists BPA in UK plastic products is "well below the levels considered harmful". The chemical is widely used in plastic manufacture and is commonly found in food and drink containers.

There has been concern in South Africa about the use of the chemical in baby's bottles. The main concern is the effect of the chemical when the bottle is heated.

The current advice for parents is not to pour boiling liquid directly into bottles, not to microwave them or use scratched or worn ones. Research carried out at Exeter University found that adults with high levels of BPA in their system were more prone to heart disease and diabetes