The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) told FoodProductionDaily.com that the long-awaited verdict on the controversial chemical would not be published on 30 November as planned. The agency did not give any reason for the delay nor a date for publication - but did say it would be issued soon. A media report in the US suggested the FDA needed more time to review the scientific evidence on the issue.

In June, the FDA announced it would be reviewing its stance on the chemical, which is used in polycarbonate baby bottles, children’s sippy cups and the epoxy linings of food can. The body admitted its original approval had only been based on a handful of studies sponsored by the chemical industry.

At the time, the agency said its decision would be announced in “weeks not months”. In August, it said the findings would be made public by the end of November. Just two weeks ago, the FDA confirmed to FoodProductionDaily.com that it was on course to provide “an update on the agency's position on BPA by November 30”.