Health Highlights: Dec. 26, 2008

Dec. 27 -- Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by editors of HealthDay:

FDA to Re-Examine Favorable Ruling on Safety of Plastic Container Additive

It's not quite the phrase from Saturday Night Live's Emily Latella -- "Never mind!" -- but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has decided to reconsider its ruling on the safety of a chemical found in plastic baby bottles and food and drink containers.

The New York Times reports that there was so much criticism of its August decision that the amount of bisphenol-A (BPA) in containers and baby bottles did not pose a health risk that the FDA has decided to re-examine its ruling.

BPA is widely used to produce polycarbonate, a hard plastic. According to the Times, opposition to the FDA's decision has been overwhelming. The department of Health and Human Services' National Toxicology Program has warned about BPA's safety, saying that research has shown an adverse effect on the brain, behavior and the prostate gland in infants. A Septermber article in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that adults with high urine levels of BPA were more prone to liver disease and diabetes, the Times reports.

In fact, the newspaper reports, more than 200 animal studies have been published the warn of BPA's possible negative effects on humans. Canada has already added the chemical to its toxic substances list.

No timetable has been given as to how the FDA will proceed with its BPA re-examination.

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FDA Repeats Caution on Chicken Jerky Treats for Dogs

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued another cautionary warning Wednesday to dog owners to be on the alert for an association between pet illnesses and consumption of chicken jerky products imported from China.

Since the agency first issued its first warning to consumers in September 2007, the FDA has continued to receive complaints from dog owners and veterinarians of sick canines who had eaten these products, which are also labeled as chicken tenders, strips, or treats, the agency said in its advisory. At least one firm in Australia, as well, has recalled their Chinese-manufactured chicken jerky products.