The Food and Drug Administration says a chemical used in baby bottles, canned food and other items isn't dangerous, despite concerns from parents, consumer groups and others.

Scientists have determined that the trace amounts of bisphenol-A in food containers aren't a threat to infants or adults. The material hardens plastic and is used to seal canned food and make shatterproof bottles. It's also used in hundreds of household items, ranging from sunglasses to CDs.

The report has received an enthusiastic response from the American Chemical Council, which has defended the chemical's safety.

However, environmental groups are criticizing the findings. They claim the report relied on industry-funded studies and ignored data from the National Institutes of Health.

The FDA report had been prompted by one from the federal National Toxicology Program that said there was "some concern" about bisphenol's risks in infants.