A panel of toxicology experts has urged the FDA to rethink its conclusions on bisphenol A, a chemical found in plastic food and drink containers. The panel included environmental health, toxicology and statistics experts from three major universities, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A review released Wednesday criticized the FDA’s view on BPA, saying the agency ignored several studies and relied too heavily on studies funded by the chemical industry.

Consumer and environmental groups say the chemical widely used in baby bottles and other plastic packaging could pose harm to human health. Bisphenol A, which is a synthetic hormone similar to estrogen, can interfere with how the body absorbs the natural hormone estrogen, which is needed in the development of young bodies.

A report released by the FDA declared the levels of bisphenol A in baby bottles and other household products are safe despite serious evidence that the chemical might cause cancer or lead to early or delayed puberty. The FDA asked a panel of scientific experts to review its August report. A report by the National Toxicology Program said there was "some concern" about its risks in infants, including effects on the brain, prostate gland and on behavior in fetuses, infants and children.

In a statement released after the report was made public, the FDA has maintained its conclusions on the chemical. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach said the report raised important questions and the agency agreed that more research is needed to settle all the uncertainties raised by some studies before they take regulatory action.

The agency has not urged consumers to stop buying BPA-containing bottles. The debate continues, as groups representing formula manufacturers maintain that the levels of bisphenol A in baby bottles and other household products are safe, while consumers groups say the FDA should warn the public against potential bisphenol A dangers starting right now.