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Exposure to BPA before birth could affect young girls’ behavior, a new study suggests. Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a chemical found in some plastics and many other products. The study included 244 pregnant women. Researchers measured BPA levels during pregnancy. They also measured it in the children. When the children were 3 years old, the mothers evaluated their behavior using a standard questionnaire. Girls whose mothers had high BPA levels during pregnancy scored lower. They were more likely to be anxious or depressed than other girls. They also had more problems with control of feelings or behavior. All of these measures were in normal ranges, however. No effect was seen in boys. Researchers said they were not sure why only girls seemed to be affected. But some research suggests that BPA mimics the effects of the female hormone estrogen.

Food products in U.S. stores should have ratings similar to the Energy Star tag for appliances, an expert panel says. The rating symbol would be on the front of the package, along with the calories and serving size. That’s the new proposal from the Institutes of Medicine. This independent group provides advice to the government. The report, released October 20, urges the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to require the new food labels. They would not replace current labels with nutrition facts. Rather, they would put the most important facts in a more prominent spot. Products would receive zero to three stars or other symbols based on a point system. The most points would be given to products that were low in saturated and trans fats, sodium and added sugars. The FDA already is working on changes to the food labeling system.