Chemical Makers Say BPA no Longer Used in Bottles

Makers of the controversial chemical bisphenol-A have asked federal regulators to phase out rules that allow its use in baby bottles and sippy cups, saying those products haven't contained the plastic-hardening ingredient for two years.

The unusual request from the American Chemistry Council may help quash years of negative publicity from consumer groups and head off tougher laws that would ban the chemical from other types of packaging because of health worries.

For now, the industry says concerns over bottles and spill-proof cups are unnecessary.