The law, passed late last week and due to go in to effect in October 2011, received bi-partisan support in the state legislature in the wake mounting concern over inclusion of the chemical in food packaging, particularly for babies and children. The legislation also outlawed BPA use in reusable food and beverage containers.
Opponents of BPA say it can act as an endocrine disruptor and has been linked to a range of illnesses including heart disease and cancer.
However, the move was condemned by the American Chemistry Council (ACC) which said the ban was imposed in the face of what the body described as “worldwide consensus among regulatory agencies that BPA can be safely used in food contact products”.
The ACC said: “The law does not promote health or safety. It hurts Connecticut businesses that can no longer manufacture these highly valued products and Connecticut consumers who will no longer find them on store shelves.”