Chicago approves BPA baby bottle ban

CHICAGO -- The Chicago City Council has voted to ban the sale of baby bottles and sippy cups containing the chemical BPA.

Spokesmen for the ordinance's sponsors, Aldermen Edward Burke and Manny Flores, said Wednesday the ban will go into effect early next year.

BPA is short for bisphenol A. It's used to harden plastics and to line food containers. Experts disagree on whether it poses health risks to humans.

Congress and several states are considering legislation to ban BPA's use in items used by young children.

Last week, Minnesota became the first state to ban BPA from plastic baby bottles and sippy cups.

But the American Chemistry Council says the ban is unwarranted and not based on science.